How To Get Your Prayers Answered

Do you feel like you're talking to a wall when you pray? Here's five key tools for getting your prayers answered.

Let's get one thing straight: God wants to answer our prayers. He is our Father in Heaven, and we are His children. He loves us unconditionally.

So why does it seem that God ignores so many prayers? And if He already knows what we want, why is prayer necessary in the first place?

The Infinite Love

Even those who stay far from a synagogue intuit the existence of God. As the saying goes, there are no atheists in a foxhole. When a guy is dug in and the enemy is coming, he will cry out: "Almighty, get me outta here! I want to live!"

What is he really saying?

"Dear God: Although I have ignored You for all these years, denied Your existence, and not appreciated all You have done for me, I'm in trouble now. And I know You're the only one Who can help."

To pray properly, you have to understand that not only God loves you, but His love for you is infinite.

God has given you eyes, ears, intelligence, life itself! Every morning, a Jew recites blessings of thanks to God for all the gifts He has bestowed upon us. These blessings remind us of how deeply God loves us.

If we appreciate what God can do for us, it is crazy not to stay in touch.

Why Do We Need To Pray?

When we pray, of course, we are not pointing out anything new to God. He does not need us to remind Him of our needs. So why doesn't God just give without our asking?

Because we need to pray. Prayer helps us refine and affirm what we want out of life. It's a process of maturity.

If a billionaire father handed over unlimited cash on a silver platter, his child would grow up spoiled and irresponsible.

So too, if God gave us everything automatically, we may never define for ourselves what we want in life. True, life would be easy. But we would not grow.

Since God has our best interests at heart, He wants us to earn it. Because that's what will make us great.

Why Do We Have Problems?

God has all the right connections. He can find you the right spouse. He can solve your financial problems. So why in the world do we have all these problems?

Because no matter how brilliant or powerful you are, you will never be able to live your children's lives for them. In fact, part of genuine love for your children is to allow them to branch out on their own, to be independent.

If we were just robots, mechanically following every instruction, the world might be neat and tidy. But life would have neither significance nor meaning.

God wants us to be independent, to think and make our own choices.

God wants us to be independent, to think and make our own choices.

We have the "free will" to make decisions that are eternally meaningful. We can choose to move away from God – and He will let us do that. Not because He wants that to happen, but because He wants us to have independence – even at the risk of it being misused. We may suffer the consequences, but it keeps our independence intact.

Answer to Your Prayers

Have you ever had a prayer answered?

Stop for a moment and consider the implications...

You live in a small town in Midwestern America. There is an extremely large and unsightly pothole in front of your house. For the last four months the local municipality has ignored your insistent requests to have it fixed. Finally, in an act of frustration, you call the White House and ask for the president. (Hey, it's worth a try.)

To your utter amazement, the president himself gets on the phone. You quickly explain your problem. The president listens for a minute and then hangs up. You don't really expect anything to be done about it.

The next morning you look out your window and, lo and behold, the army corps of engineers is busy at work fixing your road. The President of the United States took your request seriously and sent in the troops to help!

That is what it means to get your prayer answered.

Now who is the one person who can always get through to the president?

The president's son, of course.

That is our relationship with God – Father and child. Just as a parent fulfills a child's request, so too God answers prayers. The Infinite Genius Who created every molecule on this earth, can alter the course of existence in order to answer your prayer.

To really talk to God, you need to know He is willing and able to do it all. Otherwise, you're only talking to your finite concept of God – and not to our true Father in Heaven.

The Prayer of an Atheist

Here is a true story about a young man who got his prayers answered:

Many people who visit Jerusalem are tourists who come to get a sense of Jewish culture and history. One day, a young tourist named Jeff was brought in to meet me at Aish HaTorah.

"What are you doing?" I asked him.

"I'm working for my MBA at Harvard University. And I'm an atheist."

"Fantastic! A real atheist! Whoever was able to convince an atheist like you to speak to a rabbi like me deserves a medal."

Jeff had been in Norway, visiting his Norwegian fiance. And he decided it was now or never: either he is going to come to Israel or he'll never make it.

So he headed for Jerusalem and the Western Wall. He figured he would stop by the Wall to see some old stones. Yet upon his arrival he was amazed. He felt something heavy. He was moved.

Jeff stood before the Wall, and made up an atheist's prayer. He looked at the stones and said:

"God, I don't believe in You. As far as I know, You don't exist. But I do feel something. So if I'm making a mistake, I want You to know, God, I have no quarrel against You. It's just that I don't know that You exist. But God, just in case You're really there and I'm making a mistake, get me an introduction."

Jeff finished his prayer, and one of the Aish HaTorah students who happened to be at the Wall, saw Jeff and thought, "Perhaps he'd be interested in learning some Torah."

He tapped Jeff on the shoulder, startling him so much that he jumped three feet in the air. Jeff whirled around and shouted,

"What in the blankety-blank-dash-bang do you want?!"

"I'm sorry. I just want to know if you'd like to learn about God."

That question hit Jeff like a two-by-four right between the eyes. He had just finished asking God for an introduction, and immediately someone was offering to introduce him to God.

Jeff learned at Aish HaTorah for the next six weeks. He was a very serious student, and went back to the States with a commitment to continue learning. A year later, Jeff came back to Israel and told me the end of his story.

During that previous summer he had been meandering through the cobblestone alleyways of the Old City when he saw a pretty, sweet, religious girl walk by. He said to himself, "Look at the charm of this Jewish woman. May the Almighty help me meet someone like this."

One Shabbos morning during the next year, Jeff entered a synagogue in Boston for prayer services. Standing there was the same young woman he had seen in the Old City. He made his way over to her and said:

"Excuse me, but I believe I saw you last summer in Jerusalem."

She answered, "You're right. I saw you, too."

They are now married and living in New Jersey.

Remember Jeff's prayer. If you know any atheists, you can teach it to them. Because when you are sincere with God, your prayers are answered.

The Almighty is near to all those who call unto Him in truth. (Psalms 145:18)

FIVE TOOLS OF BEING SINCERE WITH GOD

Tool #1: Expect The Good

Anticipate that God wants to help you. Anything that you could ask Him for is infinitesimally small compared to what He has already given to you.

If you don't expect the good, God is not going to invade your space. He wants you to connect to your Father in Heaven. Yet He wants you to work for that understanding.

By not answering you, God is telling you that you've got a problem, that you need to change. That's doing us a big favor. Because if He wouldn't do that, we'd just remain stuck in our illusions, unclear on the idea that God can do it all.

What if your father was in charge of all traffic lights in New York City and was able to track your location at any given time? He would arrange for green lights all the way! Green light! Zing... green light! Ding... green light!

The Almighty can arrange it for you. He created the universe. Traffic in Manhattan is not overly taxing for Him.

So here you go. Green light, green light, green light, green light. You say to yourself: This is too good to be true. I don't deserve this.

Red light.

If you don't anticipate God's help, then you have lost sight of God as your Father. So God breaks the flow in order to realign your focus.

Focus on the fact that the Almighty wants everything good for you. When you do that, He'll move mountains to answer your prayer.

Tool #2: Be Shocked If You Don't Get It

Nothing God does is by accident. If things don't go smoothly for you, your first reaction should be: "What's going on? Why is God doing this? Why is He trying to get my attention?"

An uncle wrote newsy letters to his nephew at college. After six months and numerous letters, the nephew hadn't written back once.

In the next letter, the uncle wrote his standard letter. But this time, he added a P.S.: "I've enclosed a hundred dollar check for you." Then he deliberately mailed the letter without a check.

The nephew received the letter and (of course) couldn't find the check. As expected, the uncle immediately got a letter in return: "College is great... I like my dorm room... I'm taking physics. By the way, you forgot to enclose the check. Love, your favorite nephew."

The Almighty knows how to get our attention. When we forget that He loves us, He sends a red light to refocus us.

But there's one big difference between the uncle and God: God is not hurt when we ignore Him. We are. God has no needs and doesn't need a relationship with us. It is we who need a relationship with Him. Our greatest pleasure is being in touch with God. That's why He arranges small mishaps to get our attention. All for our own benefit.

Tool #3: Listen To God's Lessons

If you are serious about a relationship with God, then you understand that God is always teaching you.

When life is suddenly full of inconveniences thrown your way, stop and ask: Why is He trying to get my attention?

When the problems are larger than minor inconveniences – i.e. an auto accident or financial stress, then God is calling out to you on a different level. There is something deep within yourself that you need to rectify.

A young man came into Aish HaTorah to meet with me. "Rabbi," he said, "I've got news for you. I don't need a yeshiva. You see, God and I are very close. God does miracles for me."

I looked at him a little suspiciously. "Would you mind illustrating a miracle or two?"

"Sure. Once I was riding my motorcycle up a winding mountain road. A truck came around a curve and swerved into my lane. My only choice was to either smash into the side of the mountain, or to go off the cliff. Next thing I know, I'm flying through the air with nothing but rocks beneath me. I screamed out, 'God! Help!'

"I hit the ground and it was a miracle. My bike landed between two rocks, which acted like shock absorbers and cushioned the impact. I was gently tossed off my bike into a hedge of bushes. I didn't get a scratch! So you see, God does miracles for me."

I looked at him and said, "Tell me, my friend. Who do you think pushed you off the cliff?!"

God is not Superman. He doesn't wait until you stumble off a cliff so He can fly in at the last moment to save you. He controls everything in your life: the troubles and the solutions.

Don't wait for God to push you off a cliff and catch you.

Don't wait for God to push you off a cliff and catch you. Pay attention now and ask: "What do you want from me, God? What is the message? And if You want to get my attention, please do so without too steep a cliff!"

Tool #4: Focus On What You Want

To get our prayers answered, we have to be clear that what we are requesting is really the right thing – and not just some momentary whim.

When I was 8-years-old, the World's Fair came to New York. My whole class decided they were going to play hooky one day and go to the World's Fair. But there was one condition: Everyone had to bring a dollar. No freeloaders allowed. If you didn't have a dollar, you couldn't come.

I didn't have a dollar, and the only way I could get a dollar from my father was to learn a chapter of Mishna by heart. But there was no way I could pull off a whole chapter on such short notice. So I figured I might as well go to school that day. I'd be the only one there – a hero!

I started walking to school, when it suddenly occurred to me: Keep your eyes on the pavement, Noah, maybe you'll find a dollar!

I started looking. One block. No dollar. Two blocks. No dollar. I started to pray, "Almighty, a dollar bill... You have them around the street all the time. Just this one time, let me find a dollar bill."

Two more blocks, no dollar. I thought maybe God wants something from me. So I said, "Almighty, I'll take out the garbage. And I won't fight with my sister." I was determined to strike a deal.

No dollar.

Finally, I round the corner and the school is in sight. The moment of truth. "Almighty, give me one dollar, and I'll never, ever do anything wrong again for the rest of my life."

And then I caught myself. "Noah, who are ya kidding? If you find the dollar, you're gonna play hooky!"

Many times the Almighty sends us what we truly need, but we don't recognize it because we haven't done the work of clarifying our needs! God's answer – whether yes or no – always tells you something important about yourself.

So before you ask, make sure it's good for you.

Tool #5: Make An Effort

Prayer is not an escape from personal effort or responsibility. It is a vehicle for us to refine our choices, and to realize that God is the source of all that we accomplish.

Prayer focuses us on reality, and keeps us in touch with where our life is heading. It's not just a pipe dream. You have to work for what you want. If you're half-hearted, you're not serious about it.

When you pray, reevaluate every step of the way:

Do I really want to accomplish this?

How much am I prepared to sacrifice for it?

Is it worth the price?

Are my goals realistic and right for me?

Am I getting there?

The purpose of life is growth. Prayer is not a magic button to escape that process. By compelling us to make an effort, God gives us the means to truly grow.

God is always waiting for your call. The lines are open. Toll-Free. Pick up the phone today.

Visitor Comments: 488

I will say this is the best article I have ever read well explained I really like it as it has motivated me. Thank you very much.

(441)
london,
December 28, 2014 8:51 PM

this is my boyfriends first time ever being in trouble with the police and I been praying every since he got in there that he gets to come home he goes to court tomorrow to find out if he gets to come home im praying so hard that they let him off with a warning since this his first time in jail god I believe in u and I trust in you please answer my prayers and just let him come home tomorrow I promise to keep him out of trouble and help him get his life right.

(440)
vickiee,
December 18, 2014 4:00 AM

still wrestling with G_D

i have had a few rough years. I thought my prayer was answered I was working 2 ft jobs, and now it seems i've failed at one. Money is a concern and keeping my family together. I have had a lot of blows in my life. How can I really be sure the He is helping me at times it feels like i'm being punished.

(439)
Child of god,
November 17, 2014 3:43 AM

Amazing, this is really.....

I wanna say thank you so much im only 13 but i understand y i thought god was ignoring me. He is our father and we need to trust in him. I believe in my father and i am a sinnner. Im not perfect. I want to thank you for these words of wisdom above i hope to pass it on to someone in need. may all ur prayers be answered as i give u my blessings.Thank you all so much. bless u all.amen

(438)
Anonymous,
September 23, 2014 2:16 AM

This was one of the best things I have read yet, such a well explained writing that makes a lot of sense. I loved this, thanks for posting!

(437)
M,
September 18, 2014 11:19 PM

Thank You

(436)
Tuca Camargo,
September 15, 2014 11:22 PM

I ran acroos your artocle by chance.Even though i'm not jewish,my heart is jewish. But God is God.Thank you very much for your words and your winsdom

(435)
Anonymous,
August 9, 2014 4:29 PM

I Am most grateful.

This has been most insightful. Thank You. Would like You to pray with Me as I believe God for a new job between now and tomorrow. Thank You. May God bless You richly. Amen.

(434)
Ify,
July 29, 2014 7:00 PM

I have been praying but it seems God is ignoring me. Have read this article and am willing to retrace my step.I pray this works out for me.

(433)
constance,
July 10, 2014 1:00 PM

wow...this is fascinating

hi

i am fascinated about the article,i just read...and id like to know more and find out more about God and prayer.

(432)
Errol,
June 30, 2014 11:12 PM

I have always believe in God the Father。

I need your help. I have been unemployed for over five years, I receive no assistance, people avoide me like a disease. I spend my days applying for jobs . I have had several interviews, but no offers . I pray twice a day and talk to God all the time, but I receive no answer to my prayer. When I had a job I donated to charity to help children's and pray for them.
Can you pray for me to get sob?
Thanks,
Errol

(431)
Elvianus,
June 25, 2014 11:13 PM

Help me almighty u know what am going through my life is falling apart

(430)
Ajay,
May 25, 2014 6:23 PM

God wants us to work towards solving our problems. if its related to job we need to increase our skills, if related to family then talk more spend more time do more things with family. he gave you job he gave you family. now its our job to preserve what he has given us.

sherry,
July 30, 2014 2:08 PM

income

I have prayed and prayed for a job, I graduated from college a year ago, and I am constantly applying for jobs. I have a very professional resume. I apply for everything even not in my field. I am either over or under qualified. I also have a resume that works with jobs not in my field. I dont it back and hope something will hppen, I work hard at it all. My car insurance is overdue, and I can't pay my bills. I tihe when I can and I help and pray for people. I am worried because I also have a car payment and I have to have a car. I love God dearly but am about ready to give up. I am totally scared. I know others are in my boat, but where is God. Is He going to help with my bills? This has been going on for too long.

(429)
Candice,
May 13, 2014 6:17 PM

Hello Rabbi,
I am a genuine person i believe and only want to find my passion in life and make a positive difference in life. I believe in the Almighty God but am unclear what is wanted from me. Please help me to pray for answers of complete, undeniable clarity. Thanks in advance.

(428)
Anonymous,
May 13, 2014 1:39 PM

Marriage

I want my husband too give our marriage a chance and fully commit too me & love me like the day we were married.I love my life with him with all my heart and would love too be with him until death do us part.Please prayer for our marriage too survive.Thank u and God Bless u all.Amen

(427)
Phillip,
May 8, 2014 3:23 PM

Hopelessness

Hi Rabbi Noah, I was born a Christian, my father was a Reverend until he died, my mother (also a Christian) is the biggest problem in my life, I love her, she is my mother and only family i have left. I have always been in bad situations all my life, never fitting in anywhere i go, always the odd person around, I lost my job 2 months ago as an IT technician, possible soon to be homeless.All my life is am used to prayers and praying, so my question is that, why is my life still the same, problems still and always compiling , since last year explosive problems with my mother until now and so on, too many to elaborate here, basically i feel like i am cursed.I found yoru website while doing a ggogle search for "why some people prayers are not answered" so after reading your article , i just decided to write Blessed are those that get hear and their prayers answered.. people like me not ask for this life or to be born (If we did in a previous life , then in this life we do not know)

(426)
Anonymous,
May 1, 2014 3:36 PM

Pray for me!!!

I have hit rock bottom I begged and pleaded with god I thought about suiside.I thought god only gives you what you can handle well I'm just about at my ropes end I can't handle anymore.I can't figure out why god is not answering my prayers.I have lost my job I have no gas to look for a job my body aches from stress.my food I go to friends houses to eat my credit is ruined my life is falling apart.

(425)
Rev. Amoh,
April 24, 2014 7:39 PM

God is God, He's ready to meet you at the point of your needs. if God answered atheist, who didn't believe the existence of God, you are more than qualify for God to answer your prayers. May God answer you when you call. Amen.

(424)
Greg,
March 28, 2014 6:56 PM

Why is it a one way conversation with God?

I have never had God speak to me? Why does everything have to be so mystic and undefined? I understand billions are praying to God but he is God and all things are possible why do "we" make it our fault when God does not answer?

(423)
Anonymous,
March 27, 2014 8:00 PM

Try to change something to show you are really serious.

When we are financially disadvantaged, sometimes we have expensive habits. Cigarets, and/or alcohol cost a lot. I know people who are always strapped for cash, but they always have enough for cigarets and beer. Have a talk with God about your life and see if there is something you need to change that might help you solve whatever the problem is. the effort part is really important, and keeping the commandments is really important. It is also important to listen and pay attention to any thoughts or feelings that come to you during and after a prayer. I have often gone to God in prayer for some problem I am dealing with, and a thought actually comes into my mind about something I ought to be doing, or not doing to help myself. If I pay attention and if I am obedient to the prompting, blessings come over and above the effort I make. If you are really serious God becomes part of your team and you will begin to make wonderful progress.

(422)
Anonymous,
March 10, 2014 11:19 AM

I've been unemployed for 4 years. I applied for so many jobs and I get no reply. I pray so hard to god to help me but I seem to be getting nowhere. Its making me so depressed cause I have no income. Please can u keep me in your prayers. I will keep holding on and pray god hears my prayer soon.

étoile,
March 16, 2014 1:26 AM

Of course. May God grant your wish along with all the others.

(421)
Monkey,
February 20, 2014 6:45 PM

Thank u god for being my father and thank u for aish.com

(420)
iris,
February 4, 2014 2:38 PM

Just feel trapped my life aint going no where being praying and having faith that god will one day bless me with a job I m a single mom it hurts course I can't mantain my kid and it hurts course we sometimes go to bed without food is god really hearing me I m in debts can't even find a job I been job hunting but no luck is been 3 years now I m even thinking of ending my life and my kid can't take this pain anymore it hurts to deep .

BONOSUS KANOSEH,
February 6, 2014 11:58 AM

Taking your life will not solve the problem, what happens to your kid then? Remember you are the primary source of inspiration to your kid and thinking of taking your life amounts to cowardice. You have to be strong and keep your faith, who tells you Jehovah is not listening? He has a plan for you but just that he wants you to totally surrender to him. Look around you and reflect deeply there is something that you have to change

Anonymous,
March 5, 2014 9:58 AM

Don't give up and seek help

Please, you need to get help from a charity network, let someone know you are in hardship, there's organisations and shelters that can help you and at least provide a meal for you and your child until you get back on your feet.

Charles,
March 6, 2014 10:59 PM

Genesis 28 vs 15

Dear I understand very well how you feel. You need to know that God is aware of your case, your case is His workshop. A song writer says God never sleeps nor slumber. Your matter is His own. Give God time and keep praying. Just one answered prayer will make you forget 3 years of frustration. Best of luck dear.

Derrick,
April 4, 2014 5:08 PM

Im sorry for what you are going through. I am going through a similar situation. I have thought of ending my life many times but somehow I make it to the next day. Let's stay strong together and make it through this. I will pray for you and you pray for me.

(419)
carlos,
February 2, 2014 10:06 PM

I love this article .. & im only 15 it makes me want to keep praying every day

(418)
scott,
January 18, 2014 11:36 PM

I'm confussed wish I could believe in god.

I'm allways wishing and hoping but its like god hates me and never listens to my needs,feels like his punishing me giving me a rubbish life nothing good happens want to believe in him but he isn't helping me he don't listen to my dreams and feels like he loves watching me suffer :(

Anonymous,
February 7, 2014 5:09 AM

G-d is love not hate

G-d does not punish, it is mostly you yourself that believes you are worthy of punishment, that you feel this way. But do you love the Lord G-d enough to listen to Him, and enjoy all His benefits, Maybe if you looked up instead of down and give thanks for all His blessings, you may become a child of gratitute, Have you done anything to make life a little more easier for others and giving thanks to the Lord G-d for being able to help others, so that your heart will give Him praise and glory for giving you life, and therefore acknowledging His existence?

(417)
neel,
January 13, 2014 7:16 AM

blessed

I just wanna say thank you .... these were just the words I wanted to hear

(416)
Daphne,
January 12, 2014 2:13 AM

thank you rabbi its worth reading this

This has caught my full attention thats really what i need to trust and obey him all the way im scared at times and confused am i on the wright track. I will be after reading this it has really bluit my fear to faith.

(415)
Abado Jacob Mtulla,
January 11, 2014 4:02 AM

Awesome

I am a Catholic myself and this has really got me thinking or

Fred,
January 16, 2014 1:34 PM

Am a catholic too

I came across thi aticle wanting to know why my prayer are not answered but instead of a direct answer I got more courage to keep praying and beleiving the right answer will come by not praying alone but by doing what God expect me to right. Thanks

(414)
Austin S Fallah,
January 9, 2014 7:55 PM

Amen to this

This is inspirational.

(413)
Swetha,
December 29, 2013 3:41 PM

Selfish prayers

I always used to include other people in my prayers. When I was a kid, I used to pray, please take care of the poor people, why should they starve. I grew up and started praying for more "realistic" prayers - parents health and happiness, grandmother'd health, friends' successes. But once crisis struck me, I've just been begging and praying for myself. Is this selfishness the reason why God is taking his time answer me? I've been asking for him to communicate with me, but although my rituals have increased, I feel that he is away from me.

(412)
pinkyme,
December 29, 2013 3:38 AM

thanks Rabbi please enlighten me to fully trust God.

Im was enlightend by what you discussed..God really answers prayer.i need to change my way in prayer.thanks and more power.

(411)
PRINCE CHIPHO,
December 19, 2013 9:01 PM

Wow!!!this is so interesting after I read this artical I fill all my prayers answered may God bless you Rabbi

(410)
Tiffany,
December 12, 2013 1:53 PM

Just what I needed

to hear this morning. I've found myself going through things that are making me say why. The part that resonated the most was asking God what he wants from me and what is the message in all of this. It helped me to re-focus my thoughts of feeling neglected and realize that I might be neglecting the things God wants me to do and it took the stuff I'm going through to truly get my attention and refocus on him. Thank you for this article. God Bless

(409)
marie,
December 7, 2013 9:48 PM

beautiful

I am catholic myself and found much guidance from this.It is beautifully written.

(408)
Eiza,
December 2, 2013 10:57 PM

What happened to the Norwegian fiancee? Beautiful story, by the way.

(407)
Jas,
November 27, 2013 2:18 PM

very nicely written impressive

Its really nice and clear indication that god listens to our prayers. Sometimes we dn 't value wt we have and we have to face consequences later on...iam 28 n I hav been through tough times when nobody was thr to guide me n iwasted my life like anything.

(406)
Trish,
November 7, 2013 1:38 AM

Thank you Rabbi

A month or so I was praying the shemoneh esrei and I thought to myself "you have to trust God he's there for you." We are/were having money problems - the next morning my husband told me that he had had the same thought when he was praying and then the orders started coming in again. I always assume I am going to get turned down and you are saying expect to have your prayer answered and be upset if it is not - not like a child having a temper tantrum - more in the vein of God wants to help you because he loves you - You still have to do your part - but just approaching God remembering how much he loves you - that is just wonderful. Thank you! I will revisit this often!!

(405)
Tomas K,
October 31, 2013 8:26 PM

I am almost at tears.

This is one of the most impressive religious things I've ever read. This article was clearly written by someone enlightened and has surprised me like nothing on the internet has ever done before. I am having problems with my faith. I ask God a question every day, yet to my dispear, I never recieve an answer. I am a christian, but I feel you are closer to God than any one of my faith.

Harry,
November 6, 2013 11:29 AM

Being a Christian myself, i must admit, i found a better answer here than all the other spiritual sites i've visited. TY

Elisa,
November 10, 2013 5:59 AM

Catholic myself, and I have to completely agree with you, Harry. A huge thank for this. Wonderfully written.

(404)
L,
October 16, 2013 9:35 PM

Thank you

For building my faith.

(403)
Jason Umeobi,
October 16, 2013 12:32 PM

God really Loves us so much more than how we love ourselves

Honestly,its educative and good for anybody who will wants an answered prayers...Keep it up!!

(402)
Mark,
October 13, 2013 4:57 PM

Dear god help my son

I'm praying for my 24yr old son who is battering a her ion addiction .... He is in big trouble... I'm praying for his freedom , his health and his strength to stay clean

john,
October 27, 2013 6:06 AM

hi i am 33 yea old and am also battling heroin.just try to be there for him hope one day he reache rock bottom it not to late sorry to hear that b strong

Laura Mendola,
November 8, 2013 1:46 AM

Mark

God is amazing and I have so much love for him. I will pray for your son to be healed from this horrible addiction. Please stay strong and keep your faith even stronger.

(401)
Anonymous,
October 10, 2013 2:03 AM

drugss and my son

My 38 yr old son is in jail he is addicted to heroin he has never done drugs before. I pray for God to send someone to say he needs rehab because hes really a good person who got caught up in a bad addiction but it seems like hes just a drug addict in jail and no one cares. I have prayed for him for months and I feel like God is justbnot hearing me. I have some issues in my life of people I don't like and I keep praying about it but I cant seem to get passed it. Please pray for my son and me. He has a 12 yr old son also this is so sad

(400)
Richard S. Rominger,
October 2, 2013 11:47 PM

God certainly hears your prayers

I can say with great certainty that Yes indeed God does hear and answer your prayers. As a PhD I had the same questions as everyone else. The difference is my scientific background wanted to prove it. I believe I have. I wrote a book that documents what I found. Great Discussion. Keep it up!

(399)
Anonymous,
September 30, 2013 8:57 AM

this article is very helpful and taught me to be more specific in my prayers..it helped me understand more of what praying is all about.

I am recently widowed...i used to get hired easily with my connections help but now I am getting into unchartered territories, applying thru job posting and God blessed me with interview opportunities and I pray that the job I am hoping for will be the one for me.

(398)
Anonymous,
September 21, 2013 5:54 PM

I am in need of God right now.

This is really an inspirational article.To me it's like God has forsaken me.I lose my husband eight months we got to us to car accident, and life has never the same for me and my son.everything is stagnate in my life.im working but not earning much and im ask to vacate the room am staying with family friends in the next 4 weeks, to where I dnt know now.applied for jobs but only promises.no one want to help.I prayed all kinds of prayer to God, no way, but i still belief and have faith in him.im really helpless.pls pray for e

Erika,
September 21, 2013 8:04 PM

God Is With Us Always

I am in a struggle and on the verge of losing my Fiancé to prison who did nothing seriously wrong. We have a 4 month old son. I could really use his help right now. I've done nothing but pray to go. I've never prayed like this before. I'm not even sure if I'm believing or having enough faith or not because I've need poured my heart out to God. I could probably use some guidence. God has a reason for everything. I'm putting my trust in him because his my only hope at this point. Im not going to believe my fiancé has a possibility of going to prison because I have faith God won't let me suffer again exspecially with a child. I'm ready for a change. This is what he did for me and my fiancé to make a change! And I will regardless of the outcome. Talking to God has gave me comfort. I even asked for a angel to help us.... My son started laughing into the air right after. I know God is here holding my hand every step of the way as well as ALL OF YOU. Believing in Good, good will come. Never doubt him and good will come as well. He loves us.
I pray for all of the people in need. Pray for each other and everything will be okay. Our God Is HERE!

(397)
Anonymous,
September 19, 2013 12:08 PM

Too many red lights

This is a very inspiring article. I have had a lot of prayers answered in the past but all of a sudden I can't seem to get an answer to any prayer that I have put before God in the last four years. As a result I feel very unhappy and can't help looking around me and comparing my situation to my friends, workmates etc. I am serious and know what I want from God. So I need my prayers to reach him so that I may get an answer. I have prayed and fasted to no avail. I have looked inside myself and confessed my sins but still my God is silent. I don't know how to pray any more. I want God to speak to me and let me know what it is that I must do to get His attention. I also ask for your prayers Rabbi for God to hear and answer me.

(396)
Alexander,
September 17, 2013 7:03 AM

Bless you Rabbi!

God is a miracle worker, of that I am 100% sure! The problem with most folks (me included!) is that sometimes we want a "quick fix" to our problems, and God does not work that way! Patience, faith, sincerity, and belief is key on our end, and God is ALWAYS on time! He will never abandon you or leave your side! And I think the greatest thing about him is that you have access to the LORD OF CREATION 24/7 365 days a year! All you have to do is call upon him in faith! And yes, sometimes he does arrange small mishaps to get us back on track, that's for sure! But always remember its for our own benefit! In the end, he wants us to be healthy, happy, and to follow his word. God bless you!

(395)
Babo,
August 22, 2013 10:52 AM

Too many red lights

I am getting too many red lights,too painful.What is God saying to me

(394)
Lorna,
August 19, 2013 9:14 AM

Thanks for Spreading Edifying Souls

May God richly reward you for the work you are doing. This article has been such a blessing to me.

(393)
Anonymous,
August 15, 2013 7:51 PM

I've prayed many times

I've been praying for the same thing for a while, I feel as if it's impossible but I'm trying my hardest to anticipate that god will help me. I know without a doubt that I want this but he hasn't answered me yet, and I don't understand why. But this was very helpful! Thank you!

Lorna,
August 19, 2013 9:08 AM

Gods timing is the best

Don't give up praying but simply remember that His timing is ever the best. He knows why He's not doing it immediately but trust Him more because your miracle is just under your nose. Also ask yourself if what you are asking is in line with His will.

(392)
Tony Eastman,
August 11, 2013 10:19 PM

God is great

God is so great. Unfathomable yet nobody knows it remarkable things are happening in the world there is no end to the works of God all the time there are changes new creations wonders miracles yet nobody knows it one cannot even speak of it each person has his own perceptions to go by a person can always fortify himself never to lose hope regardless of where they have fallen never despair of crying outti God in Hisgreatness Godhas the power tour everything to good

(391)
Anonymous,
August 10, 2013 2:35 AM

Your article gave me peace

Although I a Catholic, you gave me inspiration to look within my self when God throws me a red light. God gives us many green lights and when He does that's when we need to show more thanks! God bless!

(390)
Marlize Witthuhn,
August 6, 2013 4:39 AM

This article was an answer to my prayers. I understand now how wrong Ï was about God! This has changed something inside me, and I will always be thankfull!

(389)
Nazilah,
August 6, 2013 4:18 AM

Response from a Muslim girl

Thank you Rabbi Noah for a very insightful and thought provoking article. I agree with the catholic girl. We are all taking different paths to the same destination. Peace and blessings of God on you all.

(388)
Belinda,
August 1, 2013 11:27 AM

Response From A Catholic Girl

I stumbled upon this article, and I am so impressed by it. Even though I am of a different faith, I recognize how vital sincerity is when we pray to God. Your article was such a wonderful reminder. It was exactly what I needed to read at this moment. God Bless You.

(387)
Alexa,
July 28, 2013 6:38 AM

Thank you

Wow this article is really helpful for what I'm dealing with right now. I honestly did think that GOD was leaving my prayers unanswered. But now I realize that GOD really does try to help you and that he really does love all his children :)

(386)
Anonymous,
July 26, 2013 11:31 PM

Timely Tough Love

Sacrificing for what i want to accomplish is a difficult thing to do. It pushes me out of my comfort zone of always being the receiver and giving or sacrificing nothing. Well i've got to grow sometime, might as well be now. Thank you for the call.

Thank u so much fo opening my eyes .sometyms its like GOD is NT listening to my prayer.bt now I gat the answer.thank you

(384)
Anonymous,
July 19, 2013 11:30 AM

is God real

Right now I'm struggling with financial debt. I am at my wits end. I try to hold on to my faith in God. Yet it is hard, I hope God sees this and explain to me why???

(383)
paks,
July 10, 2013 12:55 PM

Thank you so much for opening my eyes.sometimes its like God is not listening to my prayer but today I got the answer thank you! God bless u

(382)
A.J.,
July 2, 2013 5:27 AM

Thanks

Yours is a timely message that I needed to hear. Thank you.

(381)
Sara,
June 25, 2013 5:46 PM

The best answer for getting your prayer answered

I had to forward this to my kids to help them see the light. Also, it was a great message for myself. I have been praying so hard to get out of a mountain of debt that keep growing over the years. The more I try getting out of debt seem like the more things break down or fall apart. Seem like man don't make things like they use to, too much plastic even in cars. Things I purchase 30 or more years ago is still around. It's the new things that cost more and is worthless. Even the food seem to pass through our bodies quickly and we need to buy more. I try to pay all of my debts because God help us all if there was no credit. Things are too expensive for cash. Thank God if I am unable to get completely get out of debt, at least be able to keep up.

(380)
nafisah,
June 24, 2013 3:03 PM

I am a practising muslim and I have to say I found this article very apt and profoundly meaningful.very emlightening indeed. Thanks so much and stay blessed.

(379)
Anonymous,
June 24, 2013 5:32 AM

need a prayer answered to be able to pay for the food for our wedding.

My fiance and I are getting married on October 12, 2013. We are struggling to pay the food bill. Asking for a prayer to be answered for us. I don't know how we will be able to do it. God help us

Thank you so much and God bless you for such wisdom displayed in writting these encouraging words.you lifted my spirit and helped me see God as closer than I thought.remain blessed!

(376)
Joy McCawthan,
June 20, 2013 9:04 PM

thank you

I am not a follower of the Jewish faith but I have never found such clarity in an answer. I feel blessed to have stumbled across this page.

(375)
Anonymous,
June 17, 2013 8:17 PM

For my daughter

Just want a prayer to help my daughter. She has lost so much of her hair, its falling out on clumps. All doctors have said she is healthy which I am so thankful for, but she is losing her hair and they dont know why. Please god make it stop and let her regain her gorgeous locks, so she does not fall further into a depression.

(374)
Anonymous,
June 7, 2013 1:54 PM

still Hopeful

I need this favour from God; I haven't gotten it yet and its really weighing me down. Reading this has helped though..tnks

(373)
j,
June 4, 2013 4:23 AM

sure prayer answer. read for help

i know how to. fast. pray. and be dilligent.
broadly speaking. he wont leave you
hungry. and you also have to give up sin
to guarantee it, and be perfect in yourself. after
youre answer, you will most likely want to
remain sinless. because you will be sure. it is true. if you are not eating and calling him you will have his attention. but you must be sincere. feel free to share this. and talk to me also.

(372)
Stephen,
June 3, 2013 5:27 AM

I've been praying for a while now. With no answer...

This page has been extraordinarily helpful in my relationship with God. Iv'e been praying for something to happen and never got an answer, little did i know, i had something i still needed to resolve. I send a huge thank you to whoever typed this or contributed in any way to this page. Its been so eye opening for me. Thank you!

(371)
Genesis Usabor. From Nigeria (Africa).,
April 23, 2013 12:57 PM

Now i know, it is not praying that lengthens the problem, but not prayin the right way!

Words not enough 2 say thank you. This 5 steps have redirect my approach to my God. Pleas bring more on financial stress and Gods way of getting of it. God bless!

(370)
Alvin Wallace,
April 23, 2013 7:32 AM

Procrastinating on God

Reading this really helped me understand God and praying more. I am in a very serious struggle right now, but this information about God has helped me feel so much better. I thank you very much.

(369)
John Cole,
April 18, 2013 6:43 PM

Very insightful and informative

As a Christian that is after God, I really have been struggling the past few weeks. I feel within the spirit and soul that God is calling me toward Him and have been on fire for him... long story short this information has been very insightful an informative... I look forward to reading more in the next few days! Blessings to all!

- John C.

(368)
Califonia Guy,
April 17, 2013 10:16 PM

Hopefully

I try and have patience and do my part, but some days I feel like I am going to loose it. All I can do is have faith that he knows to stop before I fall of the cliff lol.

(367)
shiruii,
April 7, 2013 2:52 PM

if God gave us everything automatically, we may never define for ourselves what we want in life. True, life would be easy. But we would not grow.

if God gave us everything automatically, we may never define for ourselves what we want in life. True, life would be easy. But we would not grow.

(366)
nootty lea,
March 26, 2013 3:23 PM

I don't understand? ???

Thanks so much for this...I truly feel God is somehow mad at me.i do feel my Prayers not being answered. I used to be into some not so pleasing in God's eyes, now im living the accepted way. Im really working to do the right things. Now what's crazy I was much happier and financially set when I was doing wrong...someone tell me HOW IS THAT!!!!!

(365)
Chris,
March 19, 2013 2:23 AM

A simple prayer answered

For the past few years I've been studying the Jewish faith. In short I will formally convert later this summer. I was inspired to take this journey three years ago because of a Jewish friend at work. She would talk about the various Jewish holidays and her close family. I had always wanted to learn more about Judaism and began my journey reading books and eventually taking and Intro to Judaism class in my community and attending regular services at a synagogue. My friend however doesn't know how she inspired me to walk this road toward the Jewish faith. It has come time for me to express my gratitude to her and explain that I will be converting soon. It's been hard to find the courage to tell her just how much her life has inspired me to grow. Today I asked God to help find the courage to ask her when we could get together and talk. Thirty seconds later she comes into the room I was working away from everyone else to sit down for a short rest. I was shocked at how quickly my short prayer was answered. I went up to her realising my moment had come and asked when we could get together and talk. I told her it was something good and not to worry. We set a time the following week. She smiled and gave me a hug and my mind was at ease. I know that when I tell her, I will find the right words to express my love for the Jewish faith and how she helped make this possible. Sometimes we just have to pay a little more attention to the way God answers our prayers.

(364)
Cassie,
March 14, 2013 2:36 AM

Thanks!

I honestly really needed that!!!

(363)
Anonymous,
March 10, 2013 9:59 PM

I don't know how to pray anymore

Married to an atheist who makes his disregard of organized religion of any kind more than obvious. He will be 80 in may and I am 73. I don't know if it's his lack of spirituality that has changed his feelings towards me but his attitude has become almost unbearable. At this time in my life being a person with many illnesses and lack of income I just wonder if divorce would not be justified so that I can concentrate on the health and wellness of not only my medical issues but my mental state as well. I am so unhappy and I don't know where to turn. Oh yes he is a confirmed atheist as well as his son and they speak several times a week discussing religion or the lack thereof and think that God is a laughable word. I really hate to hear him speak like that. He used to be so different as he would tolerate for lack of a better description, and respect other people's beliefs. Why am I writing this? I don't know actually, maybe it's a good outlet for me or just maybe I am praying (in disguise).

(362)
Anonymous,
March 10, 2013 7:57 PM

My prayers are often answered; not always when or in the way I expected.

My brother has always called me a lucky person. He teases me, often saying I could fall into a pit of mud and come out clean as a whistle. Okay, he didn't use those exact words...I cleaned it up a bit for "publication". But looking back on my life I think my brother is right. I never felt right asking for "things" in my prayers. I never thought that G-d did more than put the opportunities in front of me and that I was the one who had to take advantage of the opportunity. I must say that G-d gave me a few "opportunities" that I would rather not have chosen, but I have learned from each one I accepted. I have always spent more time thanking G-d for what I have...and I am truly thankful for all that He has given me. I often think about changes I would like to have in my life but I don't pray for them. It feels much too egotistical. There are many, many others who need more than I. I simply say "Thank you, G-d" for all that I have in my life. I think that as a result of that, He has often given me opportunities to make the changes that I want and it has rarely been exactly what I would have prayed for. But it has always been the change that I needed. Thank you, G-d, for this Rabbi's comments, suggestions, and wisdom coming to me at exactly the right time in my life!

(361)
Anonymous,
March 7, 2013 12:35 AM

Thank you. I am only 14 and I want to make my baseball team and I know I can but I don't think my coach sees it and I have been praying alot to god and now I know now I will make it because I am expecting the good from god.

(360)
Naryssa Hamilton,
March 6, 2013 10:52 PM

What if...

What if you have done all these things. Pray daily. Weep, wait. Doing everything I can because I know that it is my job to do my part and not expect G-d to do it all. It is as if He has abandoned me. Why? Please help me to understand why. NO ONE has ever answered this question. I feel as though He doesn't know- or care that I'm alive.

(359)
Rod,
March 6, 2013 4:20 AM

I'm truely hearing this.

Thank you so mush, I needed that. This was meant for me.

(358)
Cristina,
March 5, 2013 12:03 PM

thank you!

thank you for this very deep message Rabbi! I really did not consider some of the things you said and overlooked how important they are, please continue to write and open people's hearts. This is authentic inspiration! Thank you

(357)
Pelica,
February 27, 2013 4:46 PM

My was sincere

I prayed after reading this and prayed a honest and sincere prayer. I talked about everything. My feelings toward everything. How I wanted things to be and why they were the way they were. Said I was sorry, talked about my weakness and what my plans are. I asked for help with everything I'm facing. I'm trying to do better, but need help to get me there .

(356)
Denise,
February 26, 2013 3:23 PM

Excellent

After I read your post. I realized that god does answers prayers. All I had to do was realized that he answer it in his way and not my way. I dream last might I saw in my own backyard a huge room then another room and yet another room underground. Then I said all this in my own backyard. God was saying, no god was telling me in my own backyard I have provided for you so much and even more and that I already have it. I just need to look and see it. Fix and repair what I already have then more will be added.

(355)
Jeffery frazier,
February 22, 2013 4:06 PM

very inspiring

I was looking for answers to why my prayers wasnt being heard. You open my eyes on what I am doing wrong. I am not listen to what God is telling me

(354)
Tamara,
February 17, 2013 7:00 AM

God moves mountains.

Reminding me that God can move everything around when we believe.
Especially to pray every time I hear sirens. I was being called to that as I only realised now, with your article.

(353)
bobkevin,
February 16, 2013 6:26 AM

Saved my life

This article has gotten me out of a very sticky situation through it's message. I consider this a life line given to me by God. Feeling very blessed.

(352)
Anonymous,
February 16, 2013 4:46 AM

Now I know how god answers prayers

(351)
Anonymous,
February 13, 2013 3:11 AM

Thank You

Thank You. You have given me hope.

(350)
Anonymous,
January 31, 2013 11:05 PM

I don't believe that you have to be sincere when praying. If god is "modern" then just talk to him normally. He probably gets sick of people acting like he's some king of everything

(349)
mac,
January 30, 2013 4:39 AM

thank u

Thank u for this article.I once read it before and today it sounded different.this for sure uplifts my faith that in the mist of a dark room like the apostle paul said God is my light thank u

(348)
brid,
January 29, 2013 8:42 PM

I really liked the article on how God answers our prayer and especially why we need to pray. I have raised my children by making them work for what they want as I don't want them to be spoilt entitled adults. What you have written had really helped me in relation to something I have been praying about. A grateful Irish Catholic

(347)
elijah,
January 28, 2013 6:26 PM

prayer

thanks rabii i now know what god really want us to do

(346)
Peter,
January 28, 2013 2:40 AM

beautiful

I love how positive the Rabbi was in writing this. I keep going back and reading this. May your memory be eternal. This has truly helped me.

(345)
Peter,
January 27, 2013 7:21 PM

awesome and very moving article Bravo! !

Rabbi I found your article very moving and it guided me to the path that I had veered from. I completely related to it thru my life experiences. I felt you were reciting my life story. I thank you Rabbi for the beautiful way you put everything in your story that many of us could relate to. Excellent article. Your Goyyy friend Peter. God Bless you and your family. I LOVEDyour article !!! Yasou Philo.... your Greek friend.

(344)
MELISSA,
January 23, 2013 7:18 AM

...A START...

. ..I WAS LOST BEFORE READING THIS...THANKS FOR SAVING ME BY SHOWING ME THE WAY BACK, TOWARDS THE ROAD I LEFT YEARS AGO. MY ROAD. I LOST MYSELF AND IN THE PROCESS LOST ALL PURPOSE IN LIFE; WHEN I STOPPED PRAYING..I THOUGHT THAT EVEN IF I DIDNT PRAY, THE FACT I HAD FAITH, WOULD BALANCE & EVEN THINGS OUT IN MY LIFE. I WAS WRONG AND FAR FROM WHAT MATTERS AT THAT TIME. I NOW REALISE & UNDERSTAND IT. JUST A FEW HOURS AGO, I HAD NO CLUE WHERE, WHAT OR WHO TO TURN TO...THE FOG HAS STARTED TO LIFT...ALLTHOUGH I KNOW IT IS ONLY A BEGINNIG TO A LONG PROCESS OF SELF-HEALING-IM STARTING TO FEEL HOPE AGAIN. I WANT TO SPEND THE REST OF MY LIFE GETTING TO KNOW GOD AND GROW CLOSE TO HIM, FOR THAT IS WHAT TRULY MATTERS AT THE END.

(343)
Gaopalelwe,
January 22, 2013 6:11 AM

thank you so much for this article it's changed my life for the better

(342)
tharbee,
January 19, 2013 8:16 AM

Thanks to this article I have a totally new understanding of how praying works, and how lucky am I that I found this at a very difficult time like this.

(341)
Nancy,
January 16, 2013 7:44 AM

Tzedekiah You are my gurdian angle

For many years I have sort answers to how God really deals with our prayers, and today ,I have a total new understanding. Thank you zede, and thanks to the spirit of the Lord who guided me to this article

(340)
Carol,
January 10, 2013 7:39 PM

Thank you.

I was struggling asking God to hear me. He heard me & gave me the answer, instantly. I then lost focus & doubted that I deserve it. I know now I do. Thank you!!

(339)
sli,
January 10, 2013 2:31 PM

now i know

Thank u for this article I had questins bt no unswersand this article just did what I wanted ididnt understand bt now I do thank u very much God bless

(338)
Anonymous,
January 3, 2013 11:00 PM

Thank you so much for this article, it really helped me

(337)
Eric,
December 29, 2012 12:55 AM

I pray to God that he answers my prayers. I have faith that he will

(336)
Ficeo,
December 15, 2012 4:51 PM

God is really for us

Thank God, I found this article at this point in time.

(335)
Love Faith,
December 12, 2012 5:48 AM

Thank you its so true leaving all your problems in God hands believe in Him

(334)
Andy,
December 12, 2012 4:08 AM

Grateful

Thank you God for the people you send to show me you truly love me and do exist. At times I am blind but you show me my eyes were closed!

(333)
Chinadina,
November 29, 2012 2:23 PM

Just when I needed it...

Thank you for this article, I found it just when I needed it most. I learned a lot and it gives me hope, now I need to change my thinking and the way I pray. Thank you!

(332)
Glory,
November 21, 2012 12:52 PM

Hey this id really true, we only want God to do something for us but we don't put effort in that. Change first the wait for God's answer.

(331)
banele,
November 20, 2012 9:23 PM

Thanks for the article it really touched me

the article made me realize that I was the problem not the all mighty thanks.

(330)
Noble Mensah,
November 18, 2012 6:03 PM

God will make a way soon

I have understood that God loves me even though i am a real sinner.I have laden myself in a whole lot of problems but i believe God will soon make a way where there seem to be no way only if i keep my faith in him.I put my eyes on you God.

(329)
Lost,
November 18, 2012 8:52 AM

Relationship Issue

If there is anything that anyone can offer me a favour, please pray and made it happen.I just want my beloved Hasan to return back to me lovingly and we shall settle as life partners.
Enough if the depression all these while.
PLEASE SOMEONE DO SOMETHING FOR MY PRAYERS TO COME TRUE!!!!!!!

(328)
Ered,
November 17, 2012 8:03 PM

Prayer is the key. Oh! Listen to my prayers.

(327)
Anonymous,
November 15, 2012 10:32 PM

wonderful your plans are my lord.

god's love is same yesterday,today and tomorrow..praise the lord.

(326)
joy,
November 15, 2012 11:58 AM

thanks

After being in relationship with emma for seven years,he broke up with me, I did everything possible to bring him back but all was in vain, I wanted him back so much because of the love I have for him, I begged him with everything, I made promises but he refused. I explained my problem to someone online and she suggested that I should rather contact a spell caster that could help me cast a spell to bring him back but I am the type that never believed in spell, I had no choice than to try it. how we started living together happily again. Since then, I have made promise that anybody I know that have a relationship problem, I would be of help to such person by referring him or her to a spell caster who helped me with my own problem.

(325)
Helen,
November 15, 2012 11:28 AM

unchangeable God

What I learn from this article is for us to put God first in everything we do then he will look out for us. As a single mother of two and unemployed I look forward to God for every thing and my only wish is that God should answer my prayers in due time.

(324)
Sandra,
November 2, 2012 11:26 PM

Interesting article. God knows what to give you and when. Trust in Him fully

(323)
Savvy,
October 24, 2012 3:06 AM

I just loved this article. So well explained and I can read it over and over again everytime I face a road block! Thankyou!

(322)
Temitayo,
October 19, 2012 10:36 AM

Am so happy i came across this article it has thought me a lot about patience an faith in God and am really inspired.

(321)
Kate,
October 16, 2012 5:09 PM

Thank You!!

So absolutely timely!!! Thank you so much for this article!--and many blessings to the person who wrote it! :)

(320)
Joel,
October 11, 2012 8:43 AM

Tool #3: How can you determine what G'd wan't from you

I think it's a great article and a great lesson. There's only one thing that still bothers me.
In Tool #3, how does one know why G'd is trying to get your attention? In other words, what are you doing "wrong" that you need to fix in order to get your prayer answered?
In fact, I am davvening already for long times to meet the right person, I have taken all the steps you listed above, but I still haven't met the right one. And everytime I think I met her, things turn out wrong. I just can't figure out what I have to change.
How can someone find out why exactly G'd wants your attention?

Anonymous,
October 28, 2012 12:28 PM

Dear Joel

Each person has somethilng he or she can work on to perfect, and each of us has to decide for ourselves what this could be. What does G. want from me? What could I give up and sacrifice to Him? My anger? My jealously? My hatred of this one or that one? Or perhaps the problem is lashon harah? Or some other mitzvah that I have been lax in?
By the way, I would like to suggest that you consult wih someone who has experience in this field and try to figure out what it is that is wrong each time. May we hear good news from you soon! "Od yishamah...kol chasan v'kol callah".

Jennifer,
November 11, 2012 8:25 PM

Joel,
I know exactly how you feel. I just got out of a 10 year on and off abusive relationship with the same man. I keep praying that God will send me my husband. I think God is trying to tell me that I need to break away from my ex and focus on myself and then He will send me my husband. Keep praying.

Ahava,
December 29, 2012 12:34 PM

#3

Hi, Joel. I share your frustration. I've been with a Jewish man where I can't imagine either of us finding someone else who better suited for either of us, but he just won't get married. I will pray for the right girl to come to you soon.

(319)
Angel26,
October 7, 2012 12:37 PM

Uplifting

Its been a long time since I have read this kind of article. It makes me uplifted, divine and more closer to God. He teaches us to be patient, because it will be rewarded.
God knows our troubles and our happiness. He made each one of us special, and he wants to have a personal relationship with each of us.
When I think of God that way, I realize that he loves me and will never leave me. And best of all, I have God's promise that he called me to come to him so I can have eternal life.

(318)
Jesus P.,
October 5, 2012 3:55 AM

thanks

I feel confident now, for some reason I was feeling scared of God, I feel relived.... Thanks

(317)
Anonymous,
October 5, 2012 1:05 AM

Thank you for this article.

Really learnt alot from this article. I do have a question. How do I know Gods trying to get my attention. I have a vehicle that is with the mechanic which is my means to travel to work, without it I can't get to work. My shower pan is broken and need someone to fix it without too much expense. I have financial debts that will take me a lifetime to payback. I don't think I have been doing anything wrong. I always try my best to pay back debts. Anyway thank you for this post. Really enjoyed reading it. God Bless.

(316)
anonanous,
October 3, 2012 2:14 AM

Iv just realized that things have gotten really emotionally difficult all because i hv lost track of my father in heaven.and he has broken the smoothness to help realine me

(315)
Anonymous,
October 2, 2012 2:00 AM

Truth.

This article opened my eyes a lot. I never felt so confident in myself and with god. Last but not least reading this made my night. -God bless.

(314)
eli,
September 29, 2012 10:50 PM

gemorrah brochas

cant remember exactly where but around daf 50 there is a gemorrah stating that one who expets prayers answered will be disappointed ??

(313)
Dr Hasan Salam Khan,
September 28, 2012 12:47 AM

I am truely inspired.

I am truely inspired to reconnect with God because I know he will listen to me.

(312)
Hilda,
September 27, 2012 1:28 AM

Awesome

I been inspired with what I read.

(311)
ronald simon,
September 27, 2012 12:54 AM

Their nothing. so powerful. as the truth

Not only must. We be careful for what. We ask for. We must be careful. For what. We think. Because thought. Be come thing . If you think. About something. You will. Go to it or it will. Come to you.this. is what i know for shor

(310)
Anonymous,
September 18, 2012 5:49 AM

why?

I understand these are great concepts to follow. But prayer comes from the heart and God listens to every prayer. No matter how u say it

(309)
Olivia,
September 14, 2012 4:30 PM

This was a wake up call

I often lament how G-D had not listened to me - He doesn't care about the small guy, just the lucky have their prayers answered. I can see I have had my prayers answered (some of them anyway), I just didn't realize that He knew what was best, not me. Thank you for this timely article.

(308)
marvette,
September 13, 2012 12:06 AM

All of the stories are such a blessing for me. thankyou.

(307)
Anonymous,
September 11, 2012 1:02 AM

I will remember this magnificent artical.

(306)
Winifred Amakulor,
September 9, 2012 12:20 AM

Wow....here I am,awake at 1am crying to God Cos none of my prayers have been answered, and I stumble into this. God bless u!!!

(305)
Anonymous,
September 4, 2012 8:05 AM

God is able and loving

Your article has really enlightened me.

(304)
Melanie,
September 3, 2012 8:38 PM

I finally understood

thank you for this insightful article. I had been praying for a particular problem and the answer was the total opposite of what I prayed for; it was only after reading this article that I realized that G-d did give me what was best for me in this situation and not what I thought was good for me. Again, thank you

(303)
Anonymous,
August 31, 2012 5:16 AM

This was so very helpful a very interesting I really learned a few things just by reading this

(302)
Anonymous,
August 28, 2012 7:23 PM

very inspiring. very true.

the part about expecting to be answered was a real eye opener! never thought thats the right way to think... makes sense, however...thanks tonz!

(301)
Anonymous,
August 12, 2012 4:19 AM

This is amazing!

Wow! This is amazing. I never had my prayers answered and now i know why. My entire family is having alot of money issues (like alot of families here in california) and i always prayed to God for help but never got any. But now i know what i did wrong. I didnt pray properly. I hope for the best and i know God will love and be here for us. He is truely an amazing person. I never really been a religous person but after reading this i have God in my heart all the time. Thank you for helping me and i hope God is listening to my prayer.

(300)
Farida mbabaali,
August 6, 2012 12:49 AM

Fantastic article

I have been praying and wondering why my prayers are not answered. Now I know why. Thank you for this very insightful article.

Anonymous,
August 10, 2012 1:50 PM

Yes i also keep on praying and wondering why isn't my prayers answered yet,? now i realized that God already knows what we need and that we should stop reminding him instead we need to be thankful for all the blessings he has given to us everyday and for all we know our prayers are already answered.

(299)
Anonymous,
August 1, 2012 5:05 PM

Something just made me look for an answer

I have always believed that there is a God, but as I grew up I found myself praying less to him. I don't really know why. But I have hit bottom these last few years and I've been desperately trying to get back my life back on track. I tried praying again, but there was no response. And today, for no reason at all, I just googled "does God answer prayers?" and I landed on this page. I do not know why but as I was reading the article my tears just kept flowing. I haven't prayed in a while and I believe I just found the answer I have been looking for.

Marcia,
August 5, 2012 5:36 PM

I understand what you are saying.Of course everyone must find their own path. My path included many opportunities to learn many different types of prayers. Although I learned alot ; I always come back to my heritage ; and thank G-d the doors are always open. Also; learning the commandment of Mitzva and Charity are very important. B. H..

richard,
August 15, 2012 4:07 PM

lost but resurfaced

I too grew older and prayed less and yesterday I almost wanted to give up but when I googled does god answer prayers I realized I got away from god.I'm still in the same shape I was yesterday but I know god is blessing me everyday

(298)
Ixia Torres,
July 31, 2012 9:51 AM

For years now since i was about 12 yrs old(btw my 22yrs now) God was always sending his children out to speak to me 3 different preachers told me that God was trying to use me and i wasnt letting him i never really payed any attention to this i would think use me why me why am i so specail that he wants to use me then oneday for a school project i decided to do if on different kinds of cancer i went on a chat room and thought what better then asking people there self that are going thru this i got an email back from a lil boy from a different country who told me he did not believe in God i thought to myself how could anyone say if he really loved me i wouldnt be going thru this well for months i would email him every day and talk to him about how much God loves him months later his father and mother emailed me this time thNking me for saving there son from evil they told me how that night he had past away but that he wanted them to thank me for saving. After this i stop going to church i was in the wrong path with God until today ive been thru alot and i kno that its because i turned my back on him well now he has all my attention i kno everything im going thru is a wake up call to allow him to use me his daughter and this time it will be for ever im starting to realize that God wont give u more them what we can handle amen amen if anybody out there can help me get on his pathe Again please help me God i except u back in my life and this time for ever

(297)
Anonymous,
July 24, 2012 2:42 PM

It all makes sense now

For the last couple of years something a bit harsh in my life happened and I kept waiting for it to get fixed and it never did. One day, a few months ago, I was at my lowest point crying and finally decided to turn to prayer and promised to try to become a better person. Since then, I've been getting several signs that someday my wish might be granted, but still mo evidence. Then today I read this article and realized that in order to get to where I need to be in life, I need to do something that'll help others. Just now, I asked god to show me a sign for what I can do. I happen to not be in my own house so I'm surrounded by things I don't recognize. I looked beside me to a table and found on it a mouse pad that said "share the health" on it. Since I began praying and experiencing signs I've become a healthier person, and now I know I must share that very health!

(296)
kk,
July 19, 2012 12:00 PM

gods like the wind you cant see him but you can feel him!!

I have more strenghth and faith and I believe that with God all things r possible hes like the key to opening a door

(295)
anupam,
July 19, 2012 8:31 AM

all happens for the best

i came through this page via google search how to get answer from god . i have been for someone i really adore since last couple of months but got disappointments . so i was wondering just like a human in love to find some magic spell or amagical prayer to get what i want . i have had made efforts but nothing helped to i switched to prayers. but now after reading this , i feel god has been trying hard to save from falling off the cliff and giving me repeated chances to make the right choice rather than making a choice which might push me off from the cliff . he saved me and has always saved me and its a wonderful feeling to realise someone loves you so much when you think of him only when you wants something . i know now i need not ask for one specific thing or person and let him take my life 's decisions because he knows the best . he knows it all . love

(294)
kenya,
July 19, 2012 4:20 AM

hi

That was awesome thx so much now I have more faith in me!!!!!

(293)
Arinze A. Josiah,
July 5, 2012 4:51 PM

All your words have an impact

Am so greatfull to join you and also to understand and have the believe that God can answer prayers that way. It works

(292)
Anonymous,
July 2, 2012 2:17 AM

without God, Nothing is impossible

Very inspirational. We need this to remind us that prayer and God is important in everyday life. Whatever we do or whatever happens, God is always there and waiting for us.

(291)
suhel,
June 26, 2012 5:14 PM

very true i hav felt all the same

(290)
Peachykeen_stef,
June 21, 2012 5:10 AM

Thank you for writing this.

Very inspirational article. I'm not big on prayer but I find myself only praying for my needs and I now have a better understading of how prayer should work.

(289)
Anonymous,
June 8, 2012 6:32 PM

Thanxxxx fr such a nice advise...& explaining us so much abt god......thanking u wholeheartedly.........

(288)
Boca Mom,
June 5, 2012 5:02 PM

prayers are answered in different ways

I think we must remember that we may pray for something that we think will bring us happiness, but G-d knows its not the right thing for us so He will not grant it, jsut as a parent will not let a child who is to young to know better run into the street. G-d knows better than all of us. I experienced this - I prayed and cried to G-d about something I wanted, but it was not right for me, and my life went in a different direction. Now, I am so much happier than I thought I would be. I was denied what I prayed for, but it was for my own good. I think our prayers should be for G-d to help us cope with our struggles and lead us to a happier peaceful existence. Let G-d show us what that is, we don't necessarily know what it is we really need to make us happy. Trust G-d to lead you there.

(287)
james neely,
May 31, 2012 2:34 PM

I need a life, money, and happiness.

Pray tsI receive a miracle of sorts from the almighty
that my life change for the better.

(286)
Ruth,
May 29, 2012 12:49 PM

Dont rush to make promises

Thanks for this educative presentation. God understand our weakness. There is no need to make insincere promises,especially when we need a bail out from Him.

(285)
Bernard,
May 25, 2012 11:14 PM

thank you

thank you i have reevaluated a very important personal prayer of mine, and because of that i now know that my prayer request and my desire for my prayer to be answered will be fufilled

This helped me understand why some of my prayers are not answered. Maybe I am not that really connected to Him yet.
Thank you for sharing this.

(282)
Justin,
May 21, 2012 8:03 AM

A true prayer of sincerity from the heart. Often it is in life that we wait until the worst possible moment to do this. For a lot of us, this is those few moments before death as life slips away.

(281)
Nalleli,
May 20, 2012 2:19 PM

This has really helped me put more faith in God,thank you

(280)
cinthia,
May 19, 2012 12:55 AM

i know now

iv always been a beliver in god but i havent always been fully connected honestly i only talk to him when i really need something or remember him i would like to be more in touch with god because i know deep down in my heart hes always there and things happen for a reason because of god

(279)
amanda,
May 17, 2012 9:29 AM

That was great i loved it and iknow god helps us and answers our prayers ibelive in hem always & loves hem dearly!

(278)
Anonymous,
May 15, 2012 2:59 PM

am really bless by your teaching,i now know that God loves me so much and He wants to answer prayers

(277)
Mckenzie Lawrence,
May 15, 2012 11:06 AM

i came know how much god loves me

(276)
JR,
May 14, 2012 2:55 AM

Enjoyed the wisdom

I am, I don't know what, a believer in God. I enjoyed the article very much.

(275)
jeffery frazier,
May 10, 2012 1:54 PM

it hit home

What you teach and spoke of touch me.It hit home in my heart.It taught me to look at myself and to be thanful for what God has done for me.An to learn from the situation which happen in my life is for a reason .God want me to stop and learn what he want me to do in his way.

(274)
Anonymois,
May 5, 2012 6:04 PM

This helped I'm 32 nothing works out for me. I made plenty of mistakes. I pray all the time but I'm at my lowest. I fail at everything. I'm living in my parents house never had my own place. And I'm jobless. I don't know what to do or say anymore.

(273)
Treezer,
May 2, 2012 8:49 PM

Amen

What a teaching! There are so many realities we as christians should embrace God bless you so much for the great teaching.

(272)
Anonymous,
May 2, 2012 5:30 PM

Hi. i love what you wrote, this is soo true. i have fumbled many times myself but GOD has always directed me back to him. Right now i am goin though something that i hope any pray that no-one will ever experience. my house is under foreclosure and already have a set date for this month. i have been sleepless at night, not able to eat, and not able to think properly. i have been praying everyday in hopes that he will hear and answer my prayer soon. pls if anyone is reading this. pls keep me in your prayer. pray that i will be able to keep my home for me and my 6 yr old daughter. thank you--- helpless!

Not sure if it might help, but there is a program naca.com they are based out of spfld massachusetts. they have programs to help home owners save their homes at no cost. i hope this helps. may god save your home. May he allow you and your daughter to stay there for many years. I will pray for u.

Hans,
May 14, 2012 2:12 PM

I have been there

I have been through this - It taught me a great lesson.
Prayer does not work. Not for earthly well being. god has created everything that you can not make but need.
For the rest He has given you a brain and a choice use these wisely and these thngs will be minimised.
Every action has a consequence. My financial demise was havin placed my trust in another human being.
A"Christian" who "Helped me" to run my business as i got older - now I am 76- this happened when i was 71 - lost my home - the lot - have never recovered and live in 1 room fully dependanyt on others for food and other daily essential. i have stoppd praying and live with my poverty and pain - I have been a cripple all my life.
Sorry to disappoint you - but o get out of it your mostly on your own - God does not have a bank on earth.
Of course it is nice to live in hope - that is what all these quazi religions are - hope givers without ever delivering the goods.
Nobody wants to realise this and continue to live andd hope.
Good luck brother - but self action is better than prayer.
Hans

rachel,
June 29, 2012 4:13 AM

My family had gone thru a foreclosure however it was probably the one thing that has forced me to step outside of my comfort zone and really work hard to get ahead in life. Without the experience of losing it all, i think i would be half the person I am today. I believe that whatever happens, things will work out for the better. Keep praying and never give up hope. Anything is possible in this life ESPECIALLY with G-d.

(271)
angia lawes,
April 29, 2012 3:29 PM

very inspiring and direct.

This tells me there is a direct way in getting our prayers answered. Thanks 4 helping.

(270)
Uby James,
April 24, 2012 11:17 AM

I love this, and i need more

You are pretty correct. You analysed it very clearly, even the examples you set are good. I pray for God's grace to pray according to his will when praying. Thanks and God bless

(269)
Anonymous,
April 21, 2012 9:09 PM

Sooo great

I have a serious problem in my life, what you wrote made me cry.I'm feeling him with my heart, and I'm sure he is the only way, Always. Thank you so much

(268)
Pearl,
April 16, 2012 9:55 AM

God bless!!

Almighty is great...trust is the factor.. God bless!!!!

(267)
Rita Anthony,
April 10, 2012 6:22 PM

am very much touched with your article, prayer is my strenge, all the time i pray do pray and i fell that i got the answer,but sometimes my heart used to lead me not to focus in my prayer, i know it is a different spirit which is traying to confuse me, but the good news is that have trust in God,and your prayer will be answered.

(266)
Fauzia,
April 8, 2012 8:14 PM

Thank you for the article. Absolute answer to my questions when I needed the most.

(265)
Loved,
April 5, 2012 4:44 AM

Big Help

I Reallllllly Loved This!!!! It Was Something I Needed To Read& Take Heed Too. Thanks Soooo Much:)

(264)
Dr suryakant,MBBS,MS(OPHTH),
April 2, 2012 6:54 PM

It is the thought of my Heart!

Really great article!It is the same way I think always but I was not sure of it,After reading this article It revealed that I was write!!

(263)
Karissa,
April 1, 2012 7:12 PM

I could not have come across this at a better time in my life. I really needed it, and it was so helpful. Thank you!

(262)
ernest,
April 1, 2012 2:02 AM

very inspiring,and an eye opener

i have been praying all along but no answers,but your article had made me to search my heart,and truly God look at the heart of his children before granting them their request, I've found the obstacle in my life,and i have to confess it out.

(261)
Ravindra,
March 31, 2012 2:47 AM

Very nice article.

Thank you for this beautiful truth. The truth is that which does not change, and all through our history as man, God has always been there waiting for the opportunity as we turn to Him. Sometimes we forget. This article reminds us He is always there. We should also remember that it only when we remember the Fatherhood of God, that we understand the Brotherhood of man.

(260)
Amobi stephen,
March 31, 2012 12:20 AM

Thank you very much, i like it.

(259)
Anonymous,
March 31, 2012 12:17 AM

Thank you very much for this, i like it

(258)
effie monforte,
March 30, 2012 2:09 AM

so enlightening

Thanlks for your article . I will continue t trust that all prayers are heard /.

(257)
Ayo,
March 22, 2012 8:12 AM

Thank you for this beautiful and inspiring article. I read through and learnt so much. As a preacher, will use the article to minister to others. Hope its allowed.I will like to read several other of your articles. God will continue to inspire and increase you with the Spirit of wisdom, knowledge and understanding.

(256)
Lydiah,
March 13, 2012 6:57 PM

Prayer Request

Thanks for this. I have been praying for a job all along, I have had interviews which I think I do well but I don get any positive response. I am a widow with two children to looka after.

Rivky,
March 19, 2012 12:46 AM

DONT GIVE UP

We cannot give up. As we see in this article, not every prayer gets an automatic yes, but every prayer is heard!! We must keep praying. We do not know the grand plan G-d has and we must keep doing what we can, even if we don’t understand. I will definitely pray for you Lydiah.

(255)
Mabel,
March 12, 2012 3:49 AM

Prayer

I've been praying for something for years and still hoping to have it. Thanks for this. Maybe if I follow this advice I will finally achieve what I want before it's too late.
LOL also the cliff story was really funny. I always knew God had a sense of humor. :)

(254)
heather celise,
March 8, 2012 8:59 PM

brendon and jamal

pray jamal will stop smooking and drink and also jamal stop find his troblem pelople and the law

(253)
Mechell,
March 5, 2012 2:10 AM

A mustard seed

I was searching this evening for comfort in a really bad time in my life and many of the words here were spoken to me by my aunt thisevening and i started to feel hopeful that if i have a little faith (she said the size of a mustard seed is all that is needed) that things will work out better than if i choose to sit here and just feel sorry for myself. I did somthing really bad for a long period of time but she and my husband are so convincing about prayer and believing in the grace of God. I was feeling like i was unworthy because i have not really prayed in such a long time so i was feeling like i was being a hypocrite for considering it now. My aunt and husband told me the same thing this article was conveying. God does not need us we need him and i guess it does not matter if we need him in a crisis or just to say thanks for nothig in particular. My aunt said that the doubt i have been consumed with about turning to faith and praying during this hard time is just the devil trying to convince me to be miserable. I have goven her and my husband my word that i will have at least a "mustard seed" worth of faith this evening and stay focused and ask God for a positive outcome to this major life crisis which i am in right now. My aunt said there has to be a "test" in order to achive and get to a "testimony". I am greatful to have found this article to go along with what my husband and aunt have told me tonight. I am hopeful that others will benefit from these words.

(252)
Anonymous,
February 28, 2012 1:00 AM

im really going through something i really believe that god will handle and fix to the best of his ablity but everything seems to be falling apart at once. i have no support from any close relatives, im always criticized for what im going through and no one seems to care but god. im truly believing in my heart that everything will be ok and turn out just fine because no one has the power to fix it like god does

(251)
lungile,
February 27, 2012 4:22 PM

need serious help

amazing article.i believe in God so much.though my faith takes a knock every nw nd then.bt i do believe that help is on the way.im in finacial difficulties.i dont kno hw to get out..im sinking slowly.i realy need help.wot is it that im doin wrong.its soo hard.

(250)
Bev.,
February 27, 2012 6:49 AM

Lost My Way...

Six years ago I had reached a point in my faith where I had absolutely no doubt that God would be there for me.My oldest brother whom had little faith was diagnosed with cancer. I completely believed that God would answer my prayers of recovery for him and instill the faith and love that I felt. I was in a total state of shock when my brother died in less than a month. I had preached to everyone to believe that he would be fine because God let me know that everything would be. The total opposite happened. I did not stop loving God but I lost all TRUST that He was there for me. It left me feeling totally betrayed. I have tried to let myself get back there again but I can't completely. Since my brother passed away, I've lost my husband of 33yrs and exactly a month later- the stillborn birth of a grandchild. I feel as if I take two steps forward and four steps back. I am broken and lost.

Donell,
February 28, 2012 1:32 AM

RE:Lost My Way

We all go through hardships but God is who he says he is, Joseph was sold into slavery to not fault of his own and Danielle was thrown in the lions Den, they went through way worse than we could imagine....Elijah even wanted to die, God has brought you this far he will not leave you,

Jennifer,
February 29, 2012 12:24 AM

I feel the same

I feel exactly the way you do. I've lost faith that God will answer me. I know he's there but he has left me. My 9 year old son was hit by a car 4 years ago and I always thought things couldn't get worse. They not have only gotten worse but if I even told people how bad they have gotten im not sure anybody would believe the luck by life has turned.

Marie,
March 2, 2012 9:54 PM

Don't give up

Please don't give up. God is still there for you and no one has truly left you. They are looking after you and they do not want to see you going through this suffering. I am a doctor and sometimes a lot of patients say that going through chemotherapy is really bad so maybe god wanted to spare your brother this suffering. Also I had a near death experience and I wasn't scared or hurting and a feeling of great peace came over me. All I wished for was that those who loved me would not even shed a tear because I did not want them to be unhappy for a moment. So if you are suffering you are actually making it harder for them. So have courage, be brave and happy. You will all be together again someday.

(249)
Anonymous,
February 12, 2012 8:27 AM

I need help from God

I've always believed in prayer and I know God knows whats best for me but I'm not for sure if I'm going to get my prayer answered...I've not had alot of them answered but I truly need this one answered for me..please help

tan,
February 12, 2012 12:55 PM

I know how you feel,and I pray that god answer both our prayer

I believed god will answer if we have more faith in him.

(248)
Andrew,
February 10, 2012 4:21 AM

Thank You

Thank you very much for this! I thoroughly enjoyed learning from you! Again Thank You, and God Bless!

(247)
Anonymous,
February 8, 2012 3:24 AM

evn i m inspired by dis article but i seriosly doubt whether god loves me or not i dont knw y dat coz i hve asked him 1 thing n i dint get his reply i dont knw y but he dont reply n i m dying 4 him reply plz help

(246)
Kierra,
February 1, 2012 7:19 AM

I feel like I do this to the best of my ability but I fall short sometimes, do my short comings really prevent me from getting my prayers answered. Sometimes my faith fails me and I need God to answer my prayer so my faith is renewed. How is it that we believe without any doubt because our human nature is to doubt, will God really hold that against me, and when I do follow those steps why doesn't God answer my prayer right then and there?

(245)
Anonymous,
January 31, 2012 11:30 AM

For the past one year i prayed for many things and God gave them to me but one. I dont know why he is taking so long. Sometimes i think iam not using the right words .

(244)
morgan,
January 30, 2012 12:00 AM

i want something from god realy bad

if you really want something you have to pray and say "god i need you"what do i do help me

Qwanna,
February 2, 2012 1:11 AM

Thank You

I dont know how i ended up on this page, After reading the subject & reading the comments. i prayed & ask god to help me that i need him. prayer is powerful. i just want to say than you your comment touch me very deeply. Thank you everyone!!

(243)
Anonymous,
January 29, 2012 4:43 PM

It happens to be I daven but I don't always daven but 3 weeks ago hashem gave me this amazing wonderful girl and ever since then I have been davening awesome and I have been thanking hashem and asking him to keep it good but then she decided to separate because she thought it wasn't right now its hard for me to daven or do anything is this a test ? To see if I would still daven amazing with out her or is it something to do with the yetzer hara ?

(242)
Anonymous,
January 15, 2012 12:59 AM

beautiful summary

I love the way that it is said about god and what we should do of the 5 reasons that we should pray. thank you for inspirational uplift. thank you and god bless you

(241)
Lilian,
January 6, 2012 3:33 PM

It's great to KNOW that God loves me so much that He gives me a chance to decide on things, commit them to Him, and wait a reply that will tell me something about my self! What a wise way to teach a human being!! Thanks a lot for this teaching and for posting it on the site. I truly appreciate it.

(240)
chanta louis jean,
January 2, 2012 4:39 AM

prayer for family member, job, personal problem

thank you for telling me the truth about our prayers and the way to get closer to god after being on this site and reading the whole article i felt a sense of relief believe or not and got so excited but i don't know why i mean i got a couple of good laugh and felt like a big heavy weight was of my shoulder and now the only thing that i hope and pray for is for god to answer my prayers i will not loose faith but i need some help a chance to support my family because I've been praying for a new job for so many years but i will not stop praying but i sometime wonder if god hear's my prayers and just ignoring them because every night before going to sleep i always make sure to re-sight my prayers like for example I've been applying myself in so many jobs end up a dead end i pray for my father because he's been abusive for so many years he's still the same person i feel like i'm missing something but don't know what it is i really need your help

(239)
Anonymous,
December 25, 2011 2:52 AM

i have really big problems about davening because when i daven i feel like im making a big fool out of myself and that im justing wasting alot of my time if god is really up there in heaven accepting our prayers why doesnt he give us a sign or tell us in a way but no he doesnt he just lets all these bad things happen so my biggest question is why cant he give us a sign and actually show us hes there and its not just a whole big rumor/lie?

nathan,
January 3, 2012 5:05 AM

an answer to your question

God will show you that He exists, if you ask Him.

andrew,
January 26, 2012 7:56 PM

thanks, he GOD really loves us

(238)
Gene,
December 24, 2011 3:15 AM

Yes Yes Yes

So true! I have a tendancy to humanize G-d and belittle my value to Him.

(237)
Anonymous,
December 19, 2011 10:56 AM

IT WAS EYE OPENNG AND HEART TOUCHING ARTICLE.

(236)
sarah calvar,
December 15, 2011 1:14 AM

just want to say thank you for this is so true the glory goes to you almighty GOD king of all and master of all GOD bless

(235)
uzo,
December 12, 2011 7:02 AM

Thanks so much, this is very well though out and well written!

(234)
tim,
December 12, 2011 3:24 AM

for my health

This article helped me a lot to realize God is always there and that i shouldn't give up when i feel that i am begin ignored. I have prayed on numerous occasions for a medical condition i have to just go away, but with no success. Now i know that i need to stay resilient and persevere until my prayers are answered.

(233)
Lynn,
December 8, 2011 6:17 AM

Scared about the future.

Im a sr in highschool who from freshman year to first semester jr year, did not take school seriously. Ive realized my mistakes and now aspire to go to school, Pepperdine University, im just scared my past mistakes are to much, and its to late. God help me to stay resilient and not fall back on my old ways of laziness, help me to realize everything happens, your way, in your time, and lord PLEASE give me patience.
AMEN

(232)
Nathan,
December 8, 2011 2:51 AM

Very great to come across this. I'm having pretty big problems lately, financially, and with other areas of my life that I can't seem to get a grip on. I have my own business, but with having your own business there are many ups and downs. Lately, there are many more downs than ups! I have been having trouble I guess trusting God, even though I seem to pray all the time.
Thank you once again.

(231)
TPM,
December 5, 2011 5:10 PM

Thank you for insight

I am trying to understand all God has for me and my husband, and seek information everywhere. Thank you for the information you have provided here about God's love. I will make every effort to do what I need to do for Him to hear me.

(230)
David,
November 23, 2011 4:31 PM

Thank you

Im in a really bad place financially at the moment and after reading your message, it has given me a lift.Thank you

(229)
phill,
November 16, 2011 3:35 PM

waiting for an answer

my mother and my father have both passed on and i am left with there house and there past. I want the house cleared but I have my past in there and i dont want there lifes to be a waste

june,
November 22, 2011 2:26 PM

past

No one's life is a waste, unless they choose to make it a waste. your parents were there for you and left you everything they loved including you. They are proud of you and your choices in life....whatever your wishes they would agree...they did when they were with you right? cherish and keep what is valuable in memories, they will forever love you no matter the choices you make.
Peace

(228)
Mark,
November 15, 2011 6:24 PM

Thank you

I needed to hear this at this point in my life. Sincerely, Mark

(227)
Jeanne,
November 14, 2011 12:48 PM

I need help

I have been praying for 3 years for my husband to return home to the children and me and then lost my job and I have done all I can discern God wants me to do. I am at my wits' end. Nothing is happening.

suri,
November 20, 2011 12:09 PM

i know the feeling

before day break its the darkest - u will find a job and ur kids are a blessing - my heart aches for you and your family - keep praying and get blessings from great rabbis in israel - ask gd to show u the way

Anonymous,
November 30, 2011 3:26 PM

Do not give up. God heard you and He is working on you. Patience is the key. You have to keep faith

(226)
Anonymous,
November 13, 2011 1:57 PM

THANKS

VERY HELPFUL

(225)
thoko,
November 10, 2011 1:03 AM

gratefull

I am so b;essed to read your encouraging and meaningful teachings may God continue to bless u.

(224)
Melvin Luckman,
November 4, 2011 2:57 PM

There were many choses but this is what God knew I needed to read!

Good morning and thank you for your words of common sense and encouragement. I am a college student who is struggling with English writing. I know now that nothing comes easy and that I need to apply myself more stringently to the task. Procrastination is the ruination and elimination of them that pursue its path. You have enlightened me that God will not do for you what you can do for yourself. Thank you once again.

(223)
PG,
November 4, 2011 7:00 AM

Simple and yet so profound a message

Thank you for writing this brilliant article. I have been praying for a child for some time and I realise that maybe I have to be ready mentally to welcome the baby in my life before God listens to my prayers. Maybe I wanted a baby because my parents feel so, my friends have them,its a norm to do have or maybe to prove my "worth". I need to have a one on one connect with my baby and genuinely want him/her to come.

(222)
mayank gaur,
October 31, 2011 3:12 PM

i nearly cried reading this article.
thank a ton sir.
may god bless us all.

(221)
Jim F Goodson,
October 30, 2011 1:52 PM

Gratitude

I thank God so much for sending me here to this site. I have a new outlook now that was desperatly needed. I have focused everything on me instead of the lord. I appreciate you very much Rabbi

(220)
ange,
October 29, 2011 2:14 PM

this is very empowering, thank you and G-D bless you

it's good to know that no matter what the situation may be our heavenly father is no far from us, and He understands us and waiting for us to realise that we are loved unconditionally.

(219)
Bonijo,
October 19, 2011 6:32 PM

I was praying that I would read your article and did not even know it. Thank you.

I am so glad that G-d gave you this site to "help" me out.

(218)
sadia,
October 18, 2011 8:42 PM

true

True, true and true, nothing but the true is revealed on that article, thanks Rabbi , Sadia

(217)
amit,
October 11, 2011 9:23 AM

it really worked thankyou rabi

(216)
Anonymous,
October 5, 2011 12:24 PM

Its awesome.. really helpful.. i got some answers at last..

(215)
Yoli,
October 4, 2011 2:24 PM

Been unemployed for 3 yrs, very stressful.

I guess im also doing something wrong.

maxine,
October 27, 2011 2:32 AM

Don't blame yourself

Dear Friend. You are doing nothing wrong. It's just that the Creator is working on something really, really good. You are doing nothing wrong. Hang in there. It's coming. I've been in your place. It's hard. I will pray for you too.

(214)
Angus,
September 30, 2011 5:41 AM

Unemployed for two years.

Your website/words came to me on a randum surf... I am not Jewish, but I believe, although being unemployed for two years with prayers seemly unanswered has tested my belief ... thank you... I have been for an interview for a fantastic job and now following reading what you have said above, must calmly and faithfully leave the rest to God... Thank-you Rabbi, God Bless you and the others that read what you have written.

(213)
ivana,
September 27, 2011 9:52 AM

GOD is good

i believe that God is always there to help us but sometimes we seem to forget about him but still expects him to bless us in a sec , i would personnally like to become spiritually strong i want to praise and worship Him every day of my life coz without him iam nothing please forgive me and have mercy on me Amen

(212)
Taiyana,
September 20, 2011 2:47 AM

Thanks god for everything

i found this page looking for some answers to some questions I had in mind. I am very worried about a job i really want and i was been greedy and just asking god. But after reading this page I am thinking to myself. How can i be so selfish and just ask God for something if I havent been there for him or called out to him in such a long time, and now that i need him is when i am praying to him. Well, I am really sorry and i feel very ashamed.. i just realized that wanting this job so much made me reach out to the one and only that i know will help, and by doing that it wont matter if i get the job anymore, i realized i just needed to get in touch with him again.. i really feel like this was the purpose of me wanting this job so bad for me to realize that i have been away from him for too long and i need God in my life again!! wow what a wake up..

(211)
nancy bristol,
September 19, 2011 9:39 PM

Prayer is very important, and should be done daily...

If you wouldnot miss a day speaking to your wife, husband, children, mother or father, then you should not miss a day of prayer. It is after all a true intimate conversation with our Father in Heaven. I thank you for that message on Prayer. It was wonderful to read, and quite helpful. God Bless you.

(210)
KING TEBOGO,
September 14, 2011 9:43 PM

PRAYER IS THE KEY

PRAYER IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS IN LIFE LIKE THE EDUCATION

(209)
AGATHA,
September 10, 2011 8:49 PM

God answers prayers in His time

God is only solution to all our problems if we believe and trust him.

(208)
Christina,
September 9, 2011 10:03 PM

I need to make serious changes in my life and stick to them this time. I will work very hard on becoming the person I deserve to be...thank you for opening my eyes....

(207)
Ruth,
September 8, 2011 2:06 PM

I have read this article i think i am going to change my life i have realize that i have been ignoring my god it has help me a lot i am now going to be strong in my prayers

(206)
lexiii,
September 6, 2011 9:47 PM

god is the best

god is the best,he helps out alot! he never backs down on me he always has my back!!...god i love you sooo much for everything i know im going to be okay b/c u are here and you are helping me i love you soo much ...love lexus

(205)
swet,
September 6, 2011 7:13 PM

tomorrow is an important day for me, i have lost my love and going through a very rough phase of life.. i have apologized, accepted my mistakes and ready to love her even more.. i seek for her forgiveness, god please get her back for me.. she is the one

jt,
October 25, 2011 12:23 AM

blessings for that & a prayer

Hope it turned out well for you!

(204)
sylvia,
September 3, 2011 10:49 AM

Inspired

It is very inspiring ,I was in search of God and now I believe I have some answers.It is really amazing how God can show us.I never expected to browse this site and today when I was reading the holy sciptues in search of who is God ,he said I will show you the right way and now he has somewhat show and I hope I will be more alert to listening to his small still voice

(203)
Anonymous,
August 25, 2011 3:51 PM

This was great help.

I love the examples and I know now the "rules" of praying. It's embarrassing how many signs I've missed, and will be sure to not miss out on any, anymore ^_^
Thank you.

(202)
Anonymous,
August 16, 2011 6:49 PM

Thank you.

I really needed to read this article--thank you so much for posting it! I'm going through some very tough times, and I truly do believe that God brought me to this article in order to restore my faith in Him again. Your words are moving and inspiring (they, literally, brought me to tears!), and I leave now with a much brighter, clearer picture of my life and where it is headed. Thank you so very much, and may God bless you.

(201)
esau,
August 15, 2011 4:58 PM

thanks for sharing your word to us it really is an inspiration to me i will make the effort and do what ever is needed to do

If god has thought something better 4 us n god wants us to move on then why in first place we are in that position that we have to move on n dat too in relationships. I pray to god to stabilize my relationship, put all efforts i can ,trying everyday not 2 hurt anyone involved in d issue still god doesnt answer my prayers.

(198)
Olasunkanmi Israel Olumide,
August 4, 2011 3:25 PM

I love this article to heart

I thank God for given me opportunity to come across this article onnet. It rely filled my spirit. I hope to tour Jerusalem one day to have such experience

(197)
EDUARDO,
July 28, 2011 10:40 AM

Your words about prayers inspired me so much ,though i am going through tough times i will not give up praying for i believe that all will come in GODS time please pray for me. GOD bless you.
I am from Mozambique (Africa)

(196)
Anonymous,
July 12, 2011 7:34 AM

Thank you

Thank you for the tools you have given on how we get our prayers answered. I have now the guidelines on focusing and in awe of Him. May the Lord bless you... more power

(195)
puii,
July 5, 2011 5:36 AM

keep on asking god

i do believe in god i pray for about 4 months since i was divorce keep on asking god for my restoration of my marriage but till today my prayer was unanswered . but i know and believe that one day god will surely answer my prayer because gos say if you asked anything inmy name it will be given to you. so keep the faith and do pray for us too

ching,
July 6, 2011 12:46 PM

But how can you be so sure ? I've always pray and I've always been so patient. I don't even know whether I'm being stupid or just waste my time, praying things that will never happen ! People can give up, you know. People want to move on too.

me,
July 14, 2011 4:03 AM

@puii When one door closes another one opens. GOD may have something really big instore for you, but you have to let go of what he has taken out of your life so he can replace it with something better. Have faith in GOD that he knows what he's doing and that he has your best interest at heart. Believe that other doors will be open on to you. LET GO and LET GOD! Don't miss out on what he has for you because you are standing at the door that has already closed. Be open for new and exciting things. In jesus name Amen

adriana,
August 7, 2011 1:01 PM

Free will

Sometime we forget about free will, and we want what we think we need like a marriage gone bad put right, but if your partner make a decision to move on you should not try to change that.If God has not answer is for a reason, grow. Love yourself, enjoy life, travel and give yourself the opportunity to meet the right person to share life with you.God give us free will, he is not going to manipulate someone into going back with you, but you can do so...is it really what you want? or would it be better to trust God and wait for the blessings he want to give you and you don't let hem. The more you wish for the old, the new wont arrive.

(194)
Robert M. Eckert, M.D.-R,
July 3, 2011 11:11 PM

I wish i had said that.

Rabbi, you are absolutely right! That is solid spiritual and practical insight. You have peeled away much of the superficiality often involved with praying and faith. This is another example of how dependent we Christians are upon our Jewish roots, not just historically but for daily spiritual life and understanding.

(193)
Anonymous,
June 28, 2011 5:31 PM

AMAZING!

Thanks so much for this, it really helped answer allot of my questions and will hopefully help my prayers come true.
Really nice thank you! I will send this to someone.

(192)
Anonymous,
June 23, 2011 2:46 PM

Rabbi Weinberg's wisdom

I am happy that our present day technology can spread his wisdom even though he has departed this world
He was/is an inspiration to all Yehi Zichro Baruch

(191)
Ruth,
June 19, 2011 3:11 PM

I found the article quite interesting

My ex-husband and I are getting together just on a friendly basis. I hope and pray to the Almighty that it will work out so that we can be together in our old age.

(190)
Rivka,
June 10, 2011 2:23 AM

How do we interpret the messages?

I know only good can come from G-d. Even seemingly bad things in our eyes are for our good. My dilemma is when something unpleasant or bad happens, and this is indeed a message like Rabbi Weinberg says, how can we know what G-d wants? Why the 911? A parent, to follow the Rabbi's analogy can clearly communicate displeasure at our behavior by restriciting their child or taking away a privledge or making them see the consequences of their actions. Like, no desert today because you ate junk food before dinner and didnt finish your meal. There is a direct link from the "punishment" to the "crime". In adult life, that line is blurry, at least to me and I suffer for wanting to know what does G-d want me to do? How can I make my Father proud? Studying Torah? Shabbat observance? If G-d loves us all unconditionally and understands our hearts, would not the answer appear? Whether we are Torah literate or not? Its written (forgive me if I dont quote verbatim)Show me the size of a hole in the needle and I will give you a hole the size of a Temple Hall.
Any ideas or comments would be appreciated.
Sincerely, Rivka

(189)
Albert,
June 6, 2011 1:42 AM

Thanks

Sometimes a little reminder helps to get my head back on the right track. Thanks!

(188)
Gillian Bailey,
June 4, 2011 5:26 AM

I am scared that God is really real

I am going through a period where i am scared to know that God is actually real! I know he is real, i have served him almy life but if this reaally work out, then my God he is really real.

(187)
David,
June 4, 2011 3:08 AM

I am curious as to whether our prayers go unanswered because we are not keeping the ETERNAL's COMMANDNENTS, especially the Sabbath, THE TEST COMMANDMENT-to see if we will walk in the ETERNAL'S ways.

Ari'el,
June 6, 2011 1:19 AM

test commandment

I've thought about that too, if you don't obey now, will He hear your prayers. But you know, maybe its not all about now, maybe its that He knows what WILL BE...
I was raised in an atheist home, at 23 yrs old I was in a car accident and the police officer there told me that I should not have been able to walk away from that accident. But I did. It took 8 yrs for me to begin to have faith in G-d and then another 8 yrs to get me to come to Torah, but I did come. I don't know, but a part of me thinks He knows what will be... and He helps us get there. B''H!

(186)
Erdley Don,
June 3, 2011 1:03 AM

Need help..

Your words give me hope, May God bless you, and please Pray for me, because I'm in a time of need

(185)
Perpetual moraa,
May 29, 2011 11:15 PM

U r a true inspiration

(184)
Pamela,
May 25, 2011 1:36 PM

The words in this article are truly a blessing!

May your children rise up and call you blessed. Thank you for these words of encouragement. It has placed such clarity on my prayer life and my life on a whole. Thank you. May you be blessed continually.

(183)
Anonymous,
May 20, 2011 12:48 PM

i become so depressed at times but knowing that God is always there for us, i quickly turn to Him and pray. life can be so tuff,

(182)
Anonymous,
May 19, 2011 10:47 AM

so educating

sometimes answers to prayer dont seem to be there but the stories here give hope, please pray for me

(181)
Maura,
May 15, 2011 1:29 PM

Maria S. this is for you!

Dear Maria, I've said a prayer for you. I know how hard it is to feel that way, but you need to keep hope in your life. Things change all the time and I feel positive that you are going to put depression aside and feel better soon. Take care of yourself and have a good life!

(180)
Leonardo Landaeta,
May 15, 2011 12:07 AM

GOOD ADVICE

Even though I am not a Jew, I found your advice very helpful, I have been praying for a reversal of fortune in my life lately and by reading this I feel there are some aspects I should change so God can see that I am sincere in what I am praying for.

(179)
Maria S,
May 14, 2011 10:11 AM

gave oxygen when I was breethless.

I was so depressed , I wanted to die naturally not committing sucide, so I was checking how to die naturally, than remembered I l try for for good prayer, s came across this . I am happy that I have come across this prayer tag. I request who ever read this please pray for me, I am very depressed person, i feel sometimes god created me to make fun of me in front of the whole world. I dont know which is true.

(178)
sonu,
April 24, 2011 1:53 PM

iam free and frank. i like straight forwardness.

this is an excellent write up and if one has deep vision needs no further querries.

(177)
Samuel,
April 21, 2011 11:28 PM

God Bless You Rabbi for this insite

A wonderful mind opening, God richly bless you Rabbi for all the wonderful articles you have written.

(176)
Erwin,
April 6, 2011 12:03 PM

need help

Thank you for this article. I am a practicing Catholic and for the past two years I have been devoting 20 minutes of prayer every day for God to help me get out of a very difficult financial situation. Through his blessing I am still able to keep my business open but, after paying all the bills, I am still unable to earn any moeny. I am still in deep trouble and am going through a major depression. Your article made me feel better today and I will continue to ask God for his help. Thank you

(175)
Mario Piting,
March 27, 2011 8:57 AM

Having read this material

Having read this material, I have learned for myself a lot of the new. Thanks

do send more of such true stories experienced by both believers and non believers in God or His existence..

(173)
Anonymous,
March 20, 2011 2:25 PM

Thank you for this article.
Most mornings I say the morning blessings. Sometimes I don't recite them because I don't feel as if my heart is in it. Should I say them anyway?

Moishe Kormornick - www.shortvort.com,
April 7, 2011 10:22 PM

morning blessings

You should know that it is in those times when you really don't feel like saying them is the time when G-d is listening even more intently. Life is about growing through our challenges and they include a lack of inspiration at times. Perhaps if your "heart is not in it" I would recommend reading through the morning blessings in English and writing down or thinking how they affect your life. For instance, when you say that G-d "opens the eyes of the blind", could you really imagine yourself blind - what would your life be like? What if you were too poor to afford clothes? Or were kidnapped and held in jail?...All these thoughts should be within your mind as you say the blessings, and if you (and I'm speaking to myself also) would spend a few seconds before each blessing, we would surely never say "my heart is not in it" because an appreciation of one blessing alone is enough to wake us up and really appreciate the life we have.
All the best.
Moishe Kormornick
www.shortvort.com

(172)
Anonymous,
March 9, 2011 6:53 PM

This makes sense, but......

I enjoyed this article. You are gifted with words indeed! Here is my problem.My husband & I are both practicing christians. Sunday school, singing, running sound, decorating church, etc. We've been married 29 yrs, worked hard for everything we've ever gotten. Wanted to start our own business. Things "fell" into place. 4 yrs later, economy hits hard, but, again, things "fell" into place. We gave God the credit each & every time! We are all on unemployment, with some employees working for NOTHING. We've tried to be fair to them and thankfully they're helping finish a boat with NO pay or unemployment! We've paid our taxes and been honest in our business. We've not splurged, but put the profits (when we saw one) back into the business. Our CPA gives me an A for keeping it going. Now 6 yrs into this business, with loans just "falling" into place, we're losing the battle. We don't want to be billionairs, just make an honest living, provide jobs for our great employees, and enjoy life. We just want a nice house (now it's 1940 w/no insulation) where we can have friends over (too small now). We've never been showy, even kept my husband's car a secret. He traded cars for newer model that changed the pymt by $5, but the value by $40000! Car dealer needed to unload it, was a great deal, but didn't want anyone to think we were living too high!! All of this, and now, we're losing this fight to keep the doors of our business open. Why would God allow things to "fall" into place and let us get further into debt if He knew it wasn't going to work in the 1st place???? I just can't believe the God I've been taught about would do that to me. I was raised a Jehovah's Witness. Gave that up, was shunned partly by my parents (close family). For 17 yrs, I wasn't allowed to eat a meal w/my dad..up until his death! I thought that was a test of faith. Some test, just to be lead here with so much frustration, I feel I'm going to blow any minute. Anybody got any insight to this?

(171)
Phuong,
March 5, 2011 3:57 PM

I think i understand

i think i understand what i should do sigh i made so many mistakes with the man i love and now he wants to leave me i truly want him to marry him and start a family with him i truly hope i can have that prayer and is that specific enough? because sometimes im not sure if it is and ur post here made me realize a lot of things thankyou

(170)
Joanne,
February 9, 2011 10:43 PM

a red light article

Thank you for this great article. Its a red light -.a stop and think about it!!!

(169)
Anonymous,
February 9, 2011 2:52 PM

Prayer for Amie

Dear Amie,
I just read your comment and would like to let you know that I have prayed for you. God will bless you with as many children as you wish. Amen.
Warmest wishes and God Bless,
A.

(168)
Cheryl,
January 18, 2011 1:41 PM

Thank you for this teaching...

It is so elementary yet fundamentally crucial.

(167)
Anupam,
January 6, 2011 5:04 PM

Now i am feeling relaxed.

I dnt know how to start this. I am really a firm believer of God, but sometimes couldn't differentiate btwn whether I am believing in God just because I am havin some desires and ii expect him to fulfill it or i really want to believe him. But you people wont believe, after I read this article, it just cleared up my head. I was having some wish in my mind while reading the article. And when i was at the second line of writing my post it just got fulfilled. I am a follower of Hinduism, but it really dosent matter to me, untill and unles God is with me. Now, I have a firm faith God will keep on helping me in every phase of my life.

(166)
Anonymous,
January 3, 2011 10:19 AM

i have read the above articles and stories and i feel blessed and it had me realised that goes does answer our prayers as long as we believe in and pray to ask for blessings.

(165)
Anonymous,
December 20, 2010 8:11 PM

I found this helpful because ii have longed for a dog; a companion, for a long LONG time and i was wondering does god ever answer all my prayers, because if he does then i dont know so. But now ive read this and so i feel closer to god.

(164)
Amie,
December 16, 2010 2:43 AM

praying for a child

I have been praying for over nine years for G-d to bless us with a child, as I need surgery for it to happen and this would be a miracle. Please pray for us also. Much love, thanks

(163)
Tanai,
December 11, 2010 8:19 PM

Thank you for a very invaluable sharing, helped me to look at my life and see what I am doing. I recently moved to UK with my husband -who is British and I'm not. I have financial concerns as-I do not have any financial means to support me - I live one day at a time , I will try out your advice.
Thanks

(162)
linda,
December 7, 2010 6:25 PM

financial miracle and restored faith and trust

I have been praying so Long for help with our financial burden and unbelievable things happen to make it worst. I am loosing my trust and faith and need to have it restored. whats going on?

(161)
clive neal,
December 4, 2010 6:40 AM

the rewards of the patient believers have been rewarded their faith in all nature ` The drought has broken after a long time ,fourteen years! there is a message when extremites occur and we should look to our selves'

(160)
elvis,
December 3, 2010 6:49 AM

need a miracle for my mom

My mom has been very sick and the doctor is saying that she will not make it.. but i still have faith and i pray everyday that a miracle will happen. I'am trying to get closer to god and this article was very helpfull. I know god is watching over us and love our father.

(159)
Anonymous,
December 1, 2010 12:21 AM

Prayer

Need a financial miracle for me and my family

(158)
Anonymous,
November 15, 2010 10:32 PM

Recently the one person in my life that means the entire world to me that I love so much has been taken from me. I am not Jewish, but I am Christian and I need to find God again. After reading this article I am realizing that maybe I am to blame for losing the girl that I want so bad in my life. My life has seemed so empty and alone the last few days and I've never felt this pain in my entire life. We were perfect together and shared a Love for each other that was so special. I am going to start praying and trying to reconnect with God because maybe this happened to me for a reason and I need to figure out what I need to change to get her back again. I've never been one to look out for help like this, but for some reason I've been getting a feeling that I need to turn to prayer and God if I really want to make this work. She still loves me and has feelings for me and I'm hoping that if I start praying and having faith in God that things will turn around. I've read a lot of other posts on here and I will pray for others as well. From here on out I am going to try to put trust in God and have the faith and pray continuously that the girl I have so much Love for and that I cannot live without comes back to me. Thank You for this article!

(157)
andrew,
November 14, 2010 12:08 AM

thank you

I am not jewish in fact I was raised in the Christian tradition but without faith, I am now growing in my faith and I wanted to say thank yo to the Rabi and let those of you who have posted notes here that I have prayed for you all. God bless you.

(156)
alice,
November 11, 2010 6:33 AM

Is it Real?

There are times i think to myself, am I crazy or does this great power called god, my father, really knows or listens? :-)
i realised that he truly wanted me to realise from within what was wrong with me. He wanted me to attract all good for me and wanted to give me what i prayed for with all perfection he defines. Just like mum knows how to make our favourite drinks taste better and our favourite skirt to last longer.
When you have realised, the ever forgiving god, will always give you a chance.
Thank you for the article. It instills in me like a message, that nothing is too late and no situation is impossible with God:-) Love you dear God..

(155)
Anonymous,
November 10, 2010 11:37 PM

Prayer Needed.

I have been Praying for many years for Veronica to Marry me and I feel like now things are starting to work but very slow. Also Veronica is Praying with Agreement with me about this. I ask you to Please Pray so very hard that I can get Veronica soon to Marry me.

(154)
Anonymous,
November 8, 2010 8:23 PM

Need a wish to come true

i am expecting my UK Family Visitor visa , it had been earlier rejected twice. I wish this time i get it, i have done everything that is needed to get the visa. this visa will help me be with the person who means the world to me.

(153)
F,
October 30, 2010 9:03 PM

Prayer to God

I love God with all of my heart and prayed to Him as a little girl without knowing very much about Him and 99% of the time my prayers were always answered. As I got older and knew more about the scriptures getting answers to prayer somehow became more challenging. My point to mentioning this is that as I got older I really think that my "child-like" faith had deminshed; so people when you pray to God, have child-like innocent faith. Do not based Your prayers on what "you think you know" because God ways and thoughts are higher than ours. I am sure that this is the key to getting your prayers answered. Just pray with an open, honest, loving heart, forgiving all wrongs you have done and frgiving the wrongs that others have done to you. I have a tesitmony to share. Back in 1990, I cried out to God because I could not get a job for a few years, I sat on my bed and told Him that I was ready to die (seriously) because it was pointless to live if I could not get a job to survive, take care of myself and my family. I told God that if I did not get news of a job within 24 hours, I was going to lay in bed and just wait to die. The very next day before 24 hours, I got a phone call from a temp agency with a job answering phones for $6.00 or $7.00 per hour, this was back in 1990. God heard my cry and answered my prayer because I had literally given up and cried out to Him and He saved me! I am NOT telling anyone to give up on life and die but what I am trying to point out is that I prayed with every fiber of my being to Almighty God, He know I was telling Him the truth and I sought God with all of my heart and He helped me! Remember that people are the ones who will say and do terrible things to each other based on free will; God has NEVER called you names, NEVER hit you, NEVER used you, NEVER stole from you, NEVER stopped you from dreaming good things but people will because of their free will. Walk in love, peace and faith knowing that God is with you

(152)
anil kumar,
October 30, 2010 11:34 AM

i learned a lesson

thanks alot

(151)
Tim,
October 30, 2010 3:27 AM

Reconciliation

I do truly understand now of God's way, Everything written here is what I have done. Wow it seems that I need to make a lot of changes in regards to how I pray
Thank you very much for the words.

(150)
NickB,
October 27, 2010 6:55 AM

I feel that I need so much help from God right now... Although at the same time I feel ashamed for my lack of thanking him for all we have in this world... I've decided to pray for all those on the comment board and I hope you'd do the same for me...
Nick.

(149)
Tabitha,
October 7, 2010 2:07 AM

Need a Miracle

I have made a mess of my life. All of my problems I have basically caused. I quit my job to work for a temporary job which ended. I am a single mom with no job and I am constantly putting in applications. I even crashed my car and I now have a steep note for a car I don't want and that I had a terrible deal on. Everything is going bad and getting worse. I feel that I am cursed. I started paying tithes. I am praying. I really need a job to take care of my 4 year old.

(148)
rusty,
October 4, 2010 1:23 AM

i asked God for what i just read....thks for helping me !

(147)
Pessy Aronovitch,
September 16, 2010 2:27 AM

To Anonymous: Keep holding strong

To Anonymous: "G-d reproves those that He loves" Part of the reason for suffering is so that we turn to Him and draw close to Him. G-d loves you infinitely. Sometimes the curtains are drawn and it's hard to see it. But your prayers shall indeed prevail. I know myself, I prayed for something for what seemed like ages, and then, out of the blue, it finally happened. I would also suggest learning with someone about the topic of faith and prayer and talking to a Rabbi. Good Luck and Have a great year!

(146)
Anonymous,
August 31, 2010 2:13 AM

Faith in God???

To be very frank,not even once have I achieved satisfaction in praying,because I do not get what I want and I'm always thrown into a state of confusion and all the bad things in life seem to happen to me,no matter the faith I have in God.Moreover everytime I pray I'm very sincere and specific with what I want and I have tried my best to do whatever is required.Is there a God really up there? Is He listening?Or is this all human fantasy that a God really exists!! Unlike the story of Jeff, I'm losing faith in God day by day!!

Anonymous,
September 2, 2012 4:53 PM

It's hard

Once I started learning, everything changed. Until I realized what it meant to really trust G-d, by learning about trust, I couldn't fully appreciate that even the really hard things are for my own growth and ultimate benefit. Don't get me wrong, it's still really hard. But the fruits are well worth the effort.

(145)
Deidre,
August 18, 2010 7:16 PM

Thank you

I usually feel like I am the type of person that will never be satisfied. I am full of sadness, yet I display confidence and security from an outside perspective. I hope that these 5 methods of prayer will enlighten me and make me feel whole again.

(144)
Jeff,
August 11, 2010 12:20 AM

I need a miracle money break through

I have 3 beautifull kids and Im working at a low paying job thats barely putting meat on the table. I need a prayer from everyone to help me out of this situation im in a be a provider for my kids and my parents.

(143)
Gene,
August 8, 2010 6:21 AM

thank you

As being a non conversationalist I do appreciate the reminder.

(142)
Anonymous,
August 1, 2010 8:59 PM

Prayer and illness

My husband of 19 years died a few months ago, leaving me with 2 little boys to raise without a father. I prayed continuously for God to heal him and spare his life, as I knew it would take God's hands to accomplish this. The medical field could be His method, but I asked God to make it happen. I lost him anyway, and now I just cant stop wondering what was the purpose, the lesson, the reason that this prayer was not answered, that a devoted husband and loving father was taken, and so many people are still here, that do not honor their marriage vows, cherish their children, commit heinous crimes against one another...how are they still here and my husband is not? What should I have done differently?

(141)
JacquelineJanvier,
July 24, 2010 3:18 PM

Found Red Phone Early Hour Pray

I was awake until 4 AM being frustrated that I was somehow praying "wrong". Then I found this article when my computer seemed to go for a "rampage run" straight to the red phone! Thank you, Rabbi Noah Weinberg for these words. I will rest and sleep now. Tomorrow I will pray with more understanding.

(140)
Anonymous,
June 24, 2010 3:53 AM

Teshuva Helps Prayers to be Answered

When a person does Sincere Teshuva (repentance) by doing the Mitzvot of the Torah - Like observing Shabbat, Kashrut (Keeping Kosher), Tzniut (Jewish Modesty in Dress and Actions), etc - they can become a "vessel" that can more readily accept the blessings bestowed constantly by Hash-m (G-d).

(139)
Myra Richardson,
June 14, 2010 1:29 PM

I have always believed in prayer

I do thank God for his many blessings all of the time. I talk to him as a friend. This was a great story. And true.
Myra

(138)
Anonymous,
June 4, 2010 12:47 AM

my friend is atheist so I told him the story of Jeff

(137)
Chaya,
May 30, 2010 5:31 AM

G*d answers all prayers. He either says “Yes”; “Later”, or ”I have a better plan”.
Once my prayers resembled a Christmas List for Santa Claus. When I didn’t get what I wanted it meant there was something wrong. In grade school I thought that meant I hadn't been good enough and needed to try harder. In high school I got busy searching for the ‘right’ prayer—studying every other religion—thinking I’d find a way to get G*d (whoever that might have been) to prove how good He was by delivering what I wanted/needed. By college, I began doubting G*d’ was interested in anyone's needs. After that I stopped praying.
Through all of this there two things that never occurred to me: (1) I was treating the Mighty One of Israel like a delivery boy, giving him my orders. (2) That the Almighty would actually say “No” to something asked for.
I hate to admit how old I was when I realized that Melech Ha Olam knew better than I did what was good,, and that from Him “Nos” or “Laters” were blessing s worthy of giving thanks.
I have long since stopped approaching the Holy One with a wish list. These days my prayers are those that acknowledge that He is G*d; that He knows the end from the beginning, and I need his direction. My desire is to do what He wants. That is the lesson I wish to teach my grand-children.

(136)
Ernie,
May 29, 2010 7:30 PM

Effectual Prayer

I read Rabbi Weinberg's article in search of a reason why, I felt, God had not answered a prayer for the healing of someone who is terminally ill. Yet, Rabbi Weinberg's article has given me renewed hope to travail before God in sincereity--trusting, believing, and resting in the truth that His will shall be done. I was especially inspired by the story about Jeff and how God proved Himself to Jeff through an atheist's "sincere" prayer.

(135)
,
May 24, 2010 11:16 PM

I too pray for what I need and believe I need. What I pray for is not "stuff" but conversion. G-d hears and others must listen too so they will understand that my belief is not a whim, nor a fling for "something completely different." Judaism is my salvation, it is the only religion/tradition that lays out verbatim what we should and should not do. I love and fear, believe me I fear. i prayed for something and I got it and then G-d did smite me X3 and I told someone about this and we laughed and cried over the phone with each other. Both in pain and both did G-d smite. It is always nice to have something in common with someone. :) I know that my path is true and I will keep praying and I know that G-d will answer and probably in a quiet way so that I know I must listen.

(134)
Aaron,
May 22, 2010 1:17 AM

This brought me to tears...Thank You Father/God for all yours Blessings

My wife separated from me 5 weeks ago just left me and our girls...God has been my anchor in this storm and I thank him for this. I reaffirm my Love for God through faithful prayers...and alot of tears.

(133)
Dorielle,
May 20, 2010 11:48 AM

I really needed this ...

I'm going through a lot of pain right now and need to hear that God will listen ...

(132)
Anonymous,
May 19, 2010 2:30 AM

just reading this gave me a better understanding to life.i really feel so good because it answered all my questions in my head.i love it!

(131)
connie,
May 16, 2010 5:43 AM

good humor

i have been stressed out lately as i try to sell my business, but as i read your article, i forgot about my issues, laughed, and i will re evaluate my relationship with God. thanks, gracias,

(130)
,
May 15, 2010 8:52 PM

thank you

Thank you God for this lesson

(129)
Maria Dodoc,
May 9, 2010 10:26 AM

Thank you!

(128)
,
May 4, 2010 1:16 AM

brittanymm

i really liked this article.it made me happy actually and i reallt hope this helps me keep a relationship with god.

(127)
Lynn,
April 25, 2010 9:04 PM

Thank you. I was feeling so lost and confused lately and your article answered so many questions that have been on my mind. Thank you, again.

(126)
tom,
April 10, 2010 7:01 AM

finally...

recently, i have been depressed about me and my x breaking up. I have been praying to God to get us back, but I am not ready yet to be with her, because right now i still have some personal "baggage" that I am working out. This article helped me refine my priorities, and I am really impressed by the rational explanations of the mysterious actions of God when He hears our prayers. This article makes the mystery of prayer simple, yet still honoring God's pleasure of faith. Thank you.

(125)
Amber,
March 26, 2010 12:16 PM

Loved your Article...but :o)

I really liked the article...However, I was only confused by a couple of things said here "God is not hurt when we ignore Him." and,"God has no needs and doesn't need a relationship with us." How is it on one hand we call ourselves His children and, He, our father?...Yet he does not need a relationship with us? I disagree. God desires our love and wants a relationship very much. He would like us to spread His love. And if God was not hurt by our ignorance at times then why would he feel the [need] to punish us? (When the freed slaves of Egypt built idols. I think He was very hurt). God is like the trunk of a mighty tree and we are like his branches...we need each other to feed one another. Yes we need Him MORE, because branches can be pruned away, but I feel there needs to be branches nonetheless to feed that tree as it feeds us. I believe God also needs a relationship with us, because he wanted to put His love toward something. Can you imagine being ALL LOVE and not having something [to] love? That is why I feel God does get hurt when we ignore him. If He doesn't need a relationship with us in this world then why create something you do not need? Only God knows what He needs.. I feel He has shown it by what He has created.. It is [our love] in return.

(124)
Kwamina Coleman,
March 18, 2010 6:55 AM

A PRAYER ANSWERING GOD

MANY THANKS FOR THE INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE. I HAVE BEEN PRAYING FOR A BESHERT AND MAY YOU SUPPORT ME IN PRAYER FOR HASHEM'S GRACIUOS ANSWER.THANKS YOU VERY MUCH.KWAMINA FROM GHANA

(123)
BenGubar,
March 16, 2010 5:29 PM

Thanks

Thank you for the wonderful article. Not only did I learn, but it certainly made me smile! May your memory be as a blessing!

(122)
Jeret Christopher,
March 16, 2010 12:30 PM

Thank you

(121)
Isaac,
February 24, 2010 10:02 PM

Thank you so much.. This helped me a lot.. God bless you..

(120)
Sonia,
February 15, 2010 12:20 PM

this article has helped me a lot

this article relieved me . i don't know how to explain it but i got some peace like an answer to a prayer, a solution to a problem. Thank God for this and i pray God richly bless the author.

(119)
Anonymous,
February 14, 2010 5:37 AM

Listen & Obey

Spending time in prayer is a lot like a marriage. The longer you have been with someone, you know what they think, how they feel about things. Except God can be more interesting because you can't always have him figured out. Sometimes you have to ask more questions, to what he is trying to say, you just can't take it for granted you understood. One sure way to get answers to all of your prayers, is to know what God is wanting you to do. Pray according to that, and you always get the answer Yes.
With no regrets. Your article was very uplifting and inspirational. A great reminder to be sensible in prayer.

(118)
udayakumar,
February 12, 2010 9:16 AM

thanks

help me lot

(117)
Brenda Doubet,
January 28, 2010 12:44 AM

This really hit home on many different levels. Thank you for this!

(116)
Suja,
January 27, 2010 2:05 AM

Very enlightening

My faith has always fluctuated - from the low to high ends. After reading your article it has kind of enlightened my beliefs and faith in God. You have put it so well by saying "Prayer is not an escape from personal effort or responsibility. It is a vehicle for us to refine our choices, and to realize that God is the source of all that we accomplish." I have always seeked an easy way out, without any effort on my part. Now I fully understand the purpose of life itself - indeed it is an awakeining call. Thank you so much.

(115)
David,
January 14, 2010 12:31 AM

Wonderfull

I wondered aout my prayers, and I appreciate these Words of wisdom. My faith has highs and lows, and it's refreshing to be reminded that I am loved unconditionally

(114)
Lin,
January 12, 2010 1:04 AM

A sign G-d heard me

I am so thankful for prayer, G-d always hears us when we talk with him. We may not hear his answer because we are not listening for it, but he always hears us. Maybe we haven't been listening closely enough for him. I know G-d hears because I have an incredible story to tell. My mother passed away over a year ago and I was so distraught over her death that I prayed for her everyday, at the end of about four months of prayer, I asked G-d to help me tolerate her death because I was worried where she may have gone and I wanted to know that she was alright. The next day my answering machine had barely audible message of a woman asking if I could hear her and the message said, "Can you hear me, do you hear me, I am alright." it was my mother's voice,then the message was silent. I know that the voice was my mother and now I have deep peace about her. This has changed my entire life and I now pray daily and feel much more close to G-d. I should have been paying more attention to my soul and keeping in regular touch with G-d. He had mercy on me and gave me relief from my suffering. Please don't give up praying, keep talking to him because it will help your soul get back to where it belongs.

(113)
CLIVE NEAL,
January 6, 2010 12:43 AM

THE GIFT OF WISDOM IS THE REWARD OF HUMBLE PRAYER

(112)
clive neal,
December 4, 2009 9:47 AM

should at any tiime whilst implying to a good friend or an aquaintance "and feel a glowing warmth upon yourself ; then you;ve beeni assited by the greatest assistance .amen

(111)
clive neal,
November 26, 2009 8:36 AM

there`s been some more beautiful rain fallen across victoria . thank you Our Father.so just maybe the other nine million have stepped up.

(110)
clive neal,
November 22, 2009 9:47 AM

1o million people are praying for rain ,out in australia. trouble is 9 million dont mean it, but it rained in victoria last night .two and a half inch's .thanks our father,you hear the silent minority.

(109)
Traci,
November 21, 2009 5:47 PM

This is a blessing.

This article is well written, educational, and straight from the heart of God. Thank you for this message.

(108)
carl,
November 19, 2009 2:08 PM

I want to convert

HI, reading this really makes me closer to GOD Thanks to GOD using you as a tool to make me understand what is precious to me...

(107)
Anonymous,
November 19, 2009 3:13 AM

This was great for me and meant for me to read.

When I read this segment, I saw myself in each one. I have always said I believe in God and is frowned on anyone that would say they don't. Why then would I see myself in Jeff, because I was where he was even in believing. I at that cliff now and praying that God does not throw mw over. I identify with the deal making and thoughts of who am I kidding. Today when I talk to my true Father in Heaven I will ask him what it is that he wants from me because he's gotten my attention in a place I wasn't even looking.

(106)
Anonymous,
October 4, 2009 8:12 PM

BH Just in time

Thank you for re-publishing this so needed to remember that Hashem is concerned with us on a more emotional level not just academic and theory.... two days ago I was praying ...give me a sign you feel so far away , distant a theory, i walked past my clock and it read 6:13 ...my sign !

(105)
Joanetta Borgund,
September 25, 2009 1:20 PM

Thinking of Converting

I have been thinking of converting from christiaity. After reading some of the lesson, I am more sure of it now. The reading is so inspiring and so clear as how to communicate with God. My soul needs and wants to be closer to God and so do I. I need that so much right now in my life. Thank you for the reading and I would love to get more information on how to convert. God Bless.

(104)
,
September 2, 2009 10:36 AM

Thank you very much for this! Just reading this alone have really enligtened me. Now I have a better understanding about everything!

(103)
Thando,
July 28, 2009 1:59 PM

Thank you so much for this,it has given me hope that God does answer.

(102)
Anonymous,
July 28, 2009 11:36 AM

Thank you so much! It now makes sense to me. I now understand what God has been doing all along.

(101)
Sudhir,
July 24, 2009 9:21 PM

Thankyou for such an inspiring writeup, i have always turned to god and heard him say things to be, but always thought it was just my other side, i do like the good things he has to say.. thankyou again

(100)
Ugonna,
July 10, 2009 9:06 PM

Simplification of Prayer

This is really inspiring. I sometime ask myself why God, whom I know to be all powerful doesn't aswer prayers fast. But you have given me the clue. He wants the experience to be total and beneficial to me

(99)
Lizcathy Lamar,
June 9, 2009 5:00 PM

i loved it

its really inspiring. i learned a lot. thanks for putting it.

(98)
Ben Neely,
June 2, 2009 5:05 PM

Awesome

I really appreciate you taking the time to write this article. I am having a rough time and am needing God in my life, i just feel he is so far away. Thanks for taking the time to let me understand that he's always there.

(97)
Anonymous,
May 14, 2009 6:55 AM

Thank you so much for your words of wisdom. In these difficult times, it is so important to maintain a relationship with God. It is so important to understand how he operates. Thanks again!

(96)
Bing,
May 5, 2009 7:11 AM

Struck me in the heart!

I am facing a very serious problem and reading this article really helped me a lot. How I wish I can absorb all of it. It's really hard to keep the faith if a person is in deep problem but whoelse is there to help us? God is still the answer.

(95)
Anonymous,
March 26, 2009 5:05 PM

Thnks for posting this. This really helped me with what I needed, I have been going through some hard times and reading this I now know I still have something to hope for....
a little note to myself: just keep praying and try to look on the bright side and things will get better...

When asking help of God:
Is it true that in order for Lord God to help you, you must first help yourself,
And that if God Closes a Door, the Lord will open a window for you?
Because I am in need of God's help,
I known this many months ago,
There were 3 different ways to help,
I tried all 3 ways and they all resulted in dead ends.
I prayed to God for exactly what I needed and mentioned I tried to help myself to avail.
I know and believe God will help me before by deadline sometime in March.
Thank You Lord God, Amen pl

(92)
Anonymous,
December 11, 2008 3:51 AM

to (88)Anonymous,21/7/2008 i,too,was in dire situation similar to yours and with four children at home. There are programs where credit card companies will work with you to lower the amount of interest you are currently paying... so you can begin to pay more on principle.Talk to them,ask them to help you formulate a plan with all your creditors that you can live with. For us, our debt was too great.We chose to bankrupt on credit card debt only, not our mortgage. Our lawyer was very wise, showing us we would NEVER have been able to pay off our debt the way it was.

(91)
Anonymous,
December 6, 2008 4:05 PM

Restoration

Thank you, Rabbi, for these eye opening words. You have refocused my hope in prayer.
I have been angry with HaShem for taking my Mom, with Alzheimer's disease. She fought losing her memory and I could do nothing – and prayer was fruitless. I hated the nursing home, because everyone wanted to be out of there. Robbed of my Mom, I hated watching her wither away. She lived her life trusting HaShem, walking in His ways the best that she could ~ and this was her end, here on earth. Alzheimer’s, Sickle Cell Anemia and Diabetes are 3 ‘Cliffs’ I do not comprehend, but who can? I will reread your insight several times, until I make it mine, as best that I can.
Thank you for opening your heart to HaShem and proclaiming His word.
BH
Yosef Avraham ben Porey

(90)
Faye,
October 21, 2008 3:23 PM

How do i know if I am asking for the right thing??

I feel like I am whining at times always asking for the same thing, how do I know what God wants for me?? I keep asking him to help my daughters boyfriend develop good working ethics and find a good job, and I keep asking to help us sell one of our homes it is a thriving business and things arent' moving, but then i feel guilty, we still are okay we have our health, are able to pay the bills when so many others are so worse off. I feel like I shouldn't be asking for anything more but still it stresses me out and wears on me.

(89)
Anonymous,
September 21, 2008 1:25 AM

Really Perfect for my Situations

Wow this is awesome this relates to almost everything that goes on in your life and answered a lot of my problems wonderful wording and way of understanding!

(88)
Anonymous,
July 21, 2008 2:12 PM

I have read your comments and illustrations - very helpful and I shall follow them, asking God along the way "What is it that you want of me" The reason I'm asking for prayers in a dire circumstance is that my husband has not been working for nearly 1 year and things are "very" strained what with mortgage, utilities, groceries (I'm working and cannot see any of my pay check due to commitments) I know that I should thank God for the ability to work and get paid to look after the bills for this I'm grateful... but.....when I look @ my credit card I don't ever know how I can pay off this debt (this is the dire situation I'm in now)... can you suggest a way out. Thanks

(87)
Anonymous,
May 29, 2008 4:15 AM

I AM WITH YOU

that''s simply put in this word - even we are out of focus to what we really want - he goes with us through thick and thin, He simply wait us to make a reconnection back to him - and that''s one of the main purpose in Life..

(86)
J. Sanders,
March 20, 2008 7:25 PM

how do you know when to stop asking?

When should you stop asking God for something? Anything? And how do you know you are praying in accordance with His will?

(85)
Anonymous,
February 28, 2008 10:56 AM

Perfectly Put

Wow, this was on of the few times that I read an article and then thought:"The perfect words, on the perfect topic, at the perfect time!"Just know that your words are travelling far, very far,... not only in the physical world, but also deep within people's mind - a world in itself!

(84)
Eva,
February 28, 2008 7:29 AM

prayer hint for Sheila and others

I have found something very important when praying, and I really have experienced breakthroughs using prayer:

PRAY FOR SPIRITUAL THINGS, not physical things.

What I mean is to pray for specific intangible things that you sincerely feel you are missing in life: perhaps guidance, understanding, the feeling of love from G-d, pray for hope, patience, pray for inner strength- all of these things, just like physical things come directly from Hashem. ONLY He provides them though it is true that some people are naturally endowed with more spiritual gifts than others.

Choose one very specific spiritual things that you want, recognize that Hashem CAN give it to you, and then ASK Him for it. It also helps to tell Hashem why you want this thing (ie, that you are in pain and feel stuck and need this in order to live fully)"G-d is close to all those who call out to Him in truth" May Hashem remember You and give you strength.

(83)
suzy,
February 7, 2008 4:15 AM

Shelia, I'm sorry yours prayers keep getting a 'no' response. maybe there is something that you still need to work on. I don't know. Maybe talk to a rabbi or rebbitzen and tell them your situation. Wish you success

(82)
sHELIA,
January 30, 2008 1:41 PM

WHY ARENT MY PRAYERS ANSWERED

HI I HAVE BEEN PRAYING THESE SPECIAL NEVER KNOWN TO FAIL PRAYERS BUT GUESS WHAT I AM NOT GETTING ANY ANSWERS AND I AM NOT BEING GRANTED ANY OF MY REQUESTS AND I DESPERATELY NEED HELP AND FAST SO PLEASE SOME BODY TELL ME WHAT I AM DOING WRONG OR GIVE ME SOME PRAYERS TO SAY THANKS SHELIA

(81)
Dina,
December 2, 2007 12:32 PM

Noach of our times

Noach, I know you won't like this, but you are the Noach of our times. I happen to be a chassidish girl from Monsey NY, and you have guided me through life like crazy. I love your angles laugh book and now this site. I also use it as a teacher.may Hashem repay you for this work for klal Yisroel.

(80)
Lou,
September 17, 2007 4:00 PM

I don't know if you'll believe this Rabbi, but...

I was asking the Lord for a sign about a life-changing move I am about to make. I still have concerns over the wisdom of this move and I asked the Lord for a sign that I am doing the right thing. I entered my search as "prayers for signs from heaven" and I was directed to this site. As I read your article on "How to Get Your Prayers Answered" I realized that the Almighty was indeed giving me an answer to my prayer. A thousand thanks to Him and also to you, Rabbi, for providing some greatly needed directions.

(79)
Anonymous,
September 4, 2007 10:35 PM

your inspiration helped me .I was sad and tired and had a lot of worries and to dolists.

your inspiration helped me .I was sad and tired and had a lot of worries and to do lists.I browsed quickly at aish looking for the right "vitamin". As soon as I started reading this , it was just what I needed , like a glass of water for the thirsty person.may you have a lot of satisfaction from your articles and the people who surround you .

(78)
judy,
July 12, 2007 1:35 PM

great great article

staright to the point

(77)
Sarah,
July 12, 2007 12:44 PM

Not true

By falsely asserting that there is a "special" formula to having you're prayers "answered," you are in effect stating that we as individual are in complete control of our lives and if we do "this and that" then Hashem will surely do what we want. The purpose of prayer (I am sorry that I am not providing exact sources, but as I am sure you are well aware that the topic is discussed by Rambam and Ramban) is ultimately to reinforce the understanding that we are completely dependant on G-d.

Sarah Felsenthal (wife of a YU musmach,who is talmid of Rav Shechter shlita)

(76)
Miss Manna,
July 12, 2007 10:48 AM

Hashem loves you!! and so do I!

Faygah , I couldnt help but see your post here, and i am moved to speak to you. please dont give up on Hashem, he loves you and your son Lev ben Faygah Sarah Chaiah, we dont always have the answers for each other, but we love each other, pray for each other and comfort each other the best way we can! Remember the promise Land? didnt look so good at first? Rueven and Gad complained about How it looked because at first it didnt look so good, but God promised it would be a land flowing with milk and honey, and that they,Israel are and will be a blessed people. He loves you and your son and he will fullfill his promise to all of us, just never stop believing, never loose hope, and never ever give up on God! Its hard to see the bigger picture now, and things look bad but thats why we, Israel, and you have a hope! That is the difference! I will pray for you..and me too!! God be with you!

(75)
Daniel,
July 12, 2007 1:27 AM

Great article

This is a great article! In a week Ill be in Jerusalem learning, not at Aish; but I plan on making my way over there when i get the chance.

(74)
Faygah,
July 10, 2007 3:48 PM

my unresolved issue

I have an issue with this article, and that is that it assumes that if you do not get the answer you want, then you must be doing something wrong.

Sometimes the answer is no.

I was given, by Hashem, a very ill child. I don't know why my son is ill. I know it is within Hashem's power to heal him. I will continue to pray for him with all my being, and yet, even I know that my son will only get well if that is Hashem's plan for him. If I do not have my prayers answered the way I want, that doesn't mean that it is my fault or that 'if only' I davened the right way, my son would not be in pain. There is something very cruel in that logic.

Since Hashem has clearly given me this venue, I will ask that anyone reading this pray on behalf of my son Lev ben Faygah Sarah Chaiah for a quick healing.

Thank you.

(73)
Feivel Peltz,
July 10, 2007 11:47 AM

Rav Noach is a fountain

He continues to be the greatest teacher. May he have long days and years.

(72)
fernande cohen,
July 9, 2007 7:32 PM

beautifully written...i have enjoyed it..it s so true!! it touched me ...and Gd bless each one of us...thank you

Valerie,
December 9, 2013 11:12 PM

just inspirational

How inspirational. I came across this article just as I am at a very low point in my life and just want to keep 're reading it. Thank you so much and may God bless you all.

(71)
Stan Glendenning,
July 9, 2007 5:24 PM

Such an important lesson!

Thank you so much. These words really touched my heart: 'God is not hurt when we ignore Him. We are. God has no needs and doesn't need a relationship with us. It is we who need a relationship with Him. Our greatest pleasure is being in touch with God.'Thank you for reminding me of this truth and helping me realise the meaning of 'unconditional love'.

(70)
Anonymous,
July 9, 2007 2:55 PM

Being worthy

Thank you for the wonderful article. I was especially interested in one point: in the scenerio of the person driving through Manhattan, he thought that he wasn't deserving, and then got a red light.

Why should the flow of good stop when a person consideres himself unworthy? I have heard this before, so I assume that it is agreed upon. I did have the following proposal: As you wrote, G-d's love in infinite and unconditional. Also, G-d is teaching us who is 'the boss.' When I think that I am not worthy, I essentially limit G-d's power--He only helps those who are perfect/very good, etc. He won't help me. When I think that He is limited, I have incorrectly defined His existence, and then loose the degree of closeness that I had and go down. As I have less closeness, I have less connection, and less answering of my needs.

(69)
Catheirne Manna,
July 8, 2007 10:22 PM

Beautiful and Inspiring article

This article has touched my heart and has brought tears to my eyes. It has inspired me to write an apology to my mother, for dishonoring her yesterday.Thank you for this article. It really has helped me to learn and keep Gods commands and laws properly. It has taught me important life lessons. I have learned so much here in a few month more than i have my whole entire life. Thank you! God bless you and your works....and thanks for being here!

(68)
Rebecca,
July 8, 2007 10:13 PM

Grabbed my attention

I absolutely loved this article - it reminded me that I need to pray all the time, not just when I think I need something. I have been praying lately for something in particular to happen, but I have a tendency to expect the worst. This article reminded me to expect the best, because whatever the answer is, it will be the best thing for me. Thank you!

(67)
noelle,
July 8, 2007 7:23 PM

thanks !!!

Thankyou and the article has enlightened me.

(66)
pam,
July 8, 2007 2:36 PM

how to get your prayers answered..

Thank-you for such an upslifting informative article. The difficulties that I am experiencing in life right now, seem so hopeless and futile. This article gives me the tools to maybe change some things, understand other things learn to pray more truthfully and honewstly and with good in mind.

(65)
tom mc neil,
July 8, 2007 1:06 PM

I keep praying for thesafe return for the kidnapped child Madeline. Why is this prayer not answered when it is not even for me . The poor parents are at their wits end and that poor girl too. Why wont God answer prayers such as these always puzzles me and I feel very angry inside .

(64)
rhoda,
July 8, 2007 12:47 PM

Thank you for this beautiful article.I shall look at it daily to remind myself to keep close to G-D.

(63)
Tal,
July 8, 2007 9:33 AM

This article made my hair stand up

As I read this article I realised how I am so out of touch with G-d. Thank you

(62)
Anonymous,
July 8, 2007 9:25 AM

answers to prayers

This article certainly reaffirmed for me the true reason that many of our prayers are not answered. Sometimes our prayers even require leaving the television turned off so that we can "tune-in" to God and find out what corrections He needs to make in us, so He can bring the answer to our prayers. We should never think of our heavenly Father as the good Fairy would swishes a magical wand and we receive all our wishes....no God is more loving than that and wants a relationship with us that allows him to guide us even more so than our earthly parents. Thanks for the article.

(61)
hirschel pekkar,
July 8, 2007 6:00 AM

very very nice, the words have a soul. thanks.

BH. Between the letter G and the letter D there should be a hyphen. Divine providence extends even to the English language. G, is the seventh letter, representing the seven heavens, D, is the fourth letter, representing the four directions - this world, the hyphen is a line that is in the middle of the line height, connecting the above and the below, the O represents eternity, for it has no beginning and no end, this we cannot internalize, for we ourselves are a limited creation, yet, specifically a Jew can connect the "above" with the "below", like the hyphen does, and also connecting the seven with the four, this completes His Name, which is the purpose of creation. A hint will suffice for the wise.

(60)
Anonymous,
June 4, 2007 5:16 PM

I love what i read , thats how i feel sometims.Now i hope that i could pray for the right things, sometimes i feel that god dosn't hear me.I ask for god to forgive me and help me make the right choses in my life. I want to do right by god.

(59)
Florence,
May 13, 2007 2:49 PM

THANK YOU

I am glad the desperation of having a prayer answered brought me to this truly remarkable article, I have always questioned God but never myself when praying, I have had plenty of prayers answered in Gods good time, and am truly thankful. I have loved a man for almost 7 years now and still truly do and although we have met up a few times I had taken our meetings for granted and am no longer able to see him anymore, I will never stop praying for our reunion and now have an understanging why things went the way they did. Thank you for givig me confidence to continue. May God Bless You in you teachings.

(58)
Miriam,
April 25, 2007 2:10 PM

How to get Prayer Answered

WOW What a powerful article!I will share with many so they will too see the "Light"Thank you so very much!

(57)
Stacy,
April 14, 2007 7:04 PM

Very Inspiring

In the last year many obstacles have challenged me in my life. I am doing my best to get back on track, and have really tried to look to God for guidance and help. After reading and understanding these 5 tools, for me, the one important ingredient that has been missing is the confidence to believe in myself, and know that God wants only the best for me. I have been trying to get a job since September, but have really struggled to find one. I recently interviewed for a position. I know I am qualified, and the perfect fit for this position. I really need this job. I have prayed, and asked for God's help, but now I understand what I really need is to believe God wants this for me as much as I do. Thank you for teaching me how to better listen to God, and to become closer to having my prayers answered.

(56)
Jason,
April 3, 2007 10:05 PM

Awesome article!

This was an excellent look at prayer. I liked every word of it. Thank you for writing it. I'm a Christian and think it was a great encouragement. Thanks again.

(55)
beverley,
January 15, 2007 3:38 PM

Intelligent plan.

A very comprehensive and pragmatic approach to prayer. I love it.

(54)
jim,
December 22, 2006 5:35 AM

Thanks for your website, it has helped me.

I woke up this morning and started to pray. After I prayed I did a search on how to get a prayer answered. I came across your website, and read your page about praying. Now I am asking God what is he trying to tell me because I see now that my past problems has been him trying to get my attention. Thank You for helping me.

(53)
MilcahWambugu,
December 7, 2006 12:06 PM

Just what I needed!

Iwanted To hear or learn what other people go through,when you feel you are heating a wall and seem to just be alone and wonder if any ONE cares.

(52)
SamanthaWatts,
November 10, 2006 2:42 AM

Thank you

This message came at the most opportune time for me. I have been praying for three years for a new job. I truly believe that G*d helps those that help themselves, so I set out to get a Master's degree in the position that I truly wanted to work, however, my resume was rejected over and over again. Now I am graduating and beginning my job search yet again. To no avail I have yet to be successful. I pray for answers. Why am I being ignored? Throughout my employment, I have been discriminated against, maltreated, harrassed, and treated like I did not matter. Through prayer I have learned that I needed to go through this experience so that I can excel in my choosen field (employee relations). But geez, its time...get me out of here! This message grounded me. I can not doubt G*d. G*d is working on an extra special plan for me. Thanks for the reminder!

(51)
CindyJaynes,
October 29, 2006 2:03 AM

Stroke in the Pons

I am interested in hearing more about John Olshansky's experience with a stroke in the Pons. My father had two strokes in the Pons starting last Saturday. I would like to hear more about his success with his stroke. God Bless!

(50)
BillCarew,
October 22, 2006 9:24 PM

A Prayer Answered

A great article!

The principles of prayer are truly universal.

I the last few years I have become more comfortable in prayer. I had been more comfortable praying for the needs of others than myself. A recent experience has broken this barrier for me.

In the past I only asked for things for myself when it was a time of desperate need. This is like trying to handle everything by yourself. Never wanting or accepting the help of others. This is not what God wants from us. In order to allow God to shape and guide our lives we need to involve him in every aspect of our lives, not just when a situation is beyond our control. God loves us and wants to help us develop, but we need to let him in.

To help everyone around you and accept no help in return unless absolutely necessary is a completely ludicrous idea. Most of the people around us are willing to help us. Friends, family, neighbors and others are all often willing to assist us in both times of dire need as well as just the day to day stuff. God isn't any different. In fact, he wants to be involved in all the day to day stuff.

Jew or Christian, we are expected to call on God in all aspects of our lives. Helping others and praying for their needs is an important part of a love for God, but when we fail to include ourselves in the picture we are telling god that we are not worthy of his love or worse yet that we don't need him. We are telling him that our plan for our own lives doesn't include him as our primary source of guidance. God is the only one that doesn't need God. If you're not God, then you need God.

Two days ago my wife suffered a series of 6 grand mal seizures. We were on a plane and had 30+ minutes before the plane could be landed. I held her in my arms as each seizure racked her body. I breathed for her until we got an oxygen mask on her. All this time I prayed furiously. My prayer for her had that all too familiar tone, "Dear God, I don't ask for something close to my own being that often. Please, God, save her. Please, God, spare her this horrible fate. Please, God, don't let me lose her. Please, God, don't let this leave her crippled for life."

Later, as I sat next to her motionless body in the Emergency Room my prayer continued, "Please, God, bring her back to me. Please, God. Please, I don't ask for things for myself often."

Several hours later my wife began to stir. The sedatives began to wear off. It was still unclear as to her condition. I prayed even harder. Within about an hour she began to show more signs of awareness, yet she was still horribly disoriented. Soon she began to form vague words and incomplete sentences. As more time passed she was soon able to communicate, yet in a very disoriented fashion. Progress continued and within a day she had made remarkable progress. By day two we had her back. Not 100% but clearly on a path that would soon achieve 100%.

A prayer had been answered. While I was not the foxhole athiest praying at the most desperate moment, I realized I was pretty close to it. I had mostly been practicing a good Judeo-Christian ethic combined with praying for others while at the same time not truly including God in every aspect of my own life. God is the only one that doesn't need God in his own life. I realized in a few short hours that I wasn't God, but one of his children who needed him. He loved me and answered my prayers and at the same time used a "Red Light" to get my attention.

(49)
BarrySowell,
October 15, 2006 4:26 PM

Insightful

I enjoyed your writings, especially that God isn't a superman; He is indeed behind everything.

(48)
karenbradshaw,
September 23, 2006 10:36 AM

Ithank GOD for life,i lay in a coma for months i know that i am a walking answered prayer i was in a car accident,now i have a speach problem and i walk with a limp.

(47)
alyssa,
August 11, 2006 12:00 AM

tragedy changed my prayers and helped me believe in g-d

Recently some one where i lived died in a freak event and i felt over come with sadness even though i hardly new him.That night i cried like i never had before and pleaded with hashem that he return the body of the poor boy that was killed to his family.I pryed like i never had before and one giant Question arose in my mind where was Hashem when i needed him? I have prayed in my past but never like i did then my whole heart was put into that prayer and his body was recovered the next day and my belief in g-d is at a alll time high.

(46)
Muna,
July 14, 2006 12:00 AM

Wonderful article

I have been blessed by your article on how to get your prayers answered. it is practical and straight forward. thank you and God bless.

(45)
kurt beasley,
July 7, 2006 12:00 AM

Helpful Article

I appreciate this article alot since I have implemented this daily prayer into my life.

(44)
Patrick Ryan,
May 12, 2006 12:00 AM

Excellent article, extremely beneficial, if only i could implement it in my life

Hi
I read your article and found it extremely interesting. Within the last year or so i have been experiencing problems in my life. I just feel like i don't belong with the people i grew up with. I cant understand their ways, constantly drinking and engaging in what i would deem to be immoral activities. I feel lost in my society, materialism has taken over and i feel like I'm being drowned. I talk to God but would be better off hiting my head against the wall. I find it difficult to maintain the constant relationship with him because earthly problems and desires take over. I lose sight of what is "real", what matters. God.
Any suggestions on how to keep the passion burning, contacing our father?

Thanks
Patrick (Ireland)

(43)
Tanya,
May 10, 2006 12:00 AM

Thank You

I have been very deppressed for the past year and a half and i felt like my prayers were never getting answers because things were getting worse rather than better. I was having a talk with god today and i was asking why nothing is changing and things are still the same for me or getting worst i felt like i did something that crossed god. But when i got home god led me to this web page when i was on the internet about how to get prayers answered and now i relise that god is calling out to me cause there is something i need to rectify within myself with him and that he never left me he was trying to get my attention. I feel so much better cause now i know why and i feel that my futer is going to be bright.
So thankyou very much and i will keep you informed on the results that god will give me. Tanya from London UK

(42)
Anonymous,
May 8, 2006 12:00 AM

How do you know?

This is truely a wonderful article that I have read a couple times already. At the moment I am under alot of emotional pressure and pray to Hashem non-stop. I am ready to make a change, to "learn my lesson." My question is how do you know what it is Hashem is trying to tell you? How do you know what it is you need to change or improve?

(41)
Judith,
April 13, 2006 12:00 AM

Thank you so much for your article.Sometimes you just read the right words at the right time.If you show the courage to go your way, the way will show itself to you.Standing at a crossroad in my life, feeling that i have to make a choice,this article means a lot to me!

(40)
Anonymous,
March 13, 2006 12:00 AM

RE: last comment

When I read the comment from the anonymous person who wrote last month, it made a lot of sense to me. I know a lot of people, including myself, who are praying that G-d will send someone else into their lives, and there seems to be no answer. I believe though that G-d opens doors for us when the time is right, and often we don't know when the right time is. I try to remember that it is G-d who knows what is best, not me, and he will send me a husband when the time is right.

(39)
Anonymous,
February 15, 2006 12:00 AM

Oy Vey!

I can only say that my prayers are unanswered and I can not understand why. My service to God and my dedication are as good as I can make them and yet I am still alone and without a partner. I need help. Help me to have that woman come into my life that I can actually have and keep and I will be eternally grateful. I miss Morgan. It's dark without her. I need light. You may not wish to post my despair publically. It's up to you. I have not had a prayer answered but I exist to answer many others prayers through my work. At least I have a purpose for God and I am honoured and grateful for it. I just wish I had a partner from him to help me understand love and mercy and compassion.

(38)
Anonymous,
February 2, 2006 12:00 AM

Thank you

This article is exactly what I needed to read at this very point in time - every apect of it was very much on target. I have never doubted that God could help me, but I have seriously doubted that He would. Thank you for such an insightful, well-written article, know that it has changed my way of thinking.

(37)
dr.bohbot juliet,
December 25, 2005 12:00 AM

thanks.

i wish to thank you for your effective
website and more so beautifully presented.yeshair coah.juliet

(36)
Anonymous,
August 31, 2005 12:00 AM

This article has actually accompanied me through my spiritual growth. I wonder how Rabbi Noah Weinberg can put such a deep topic into such explicit while mind-blowing words. It must be God's inspirations. I really would like to read more such enlightening articles.

(35)
Anonymous,
July 1, 2005 12:00 AM

too few articles like this

Rabbi Weinberg truely discloses the meaning of prayer to us. However it seems that here is too few articles on prayer like this.
Looking forward to more.

(34)
Anonymous,
April 8, 2005 12:00 AM

Beyond Mere Understanding the Lesson of Prayer

I am amazed how a rabbi can bring words together that a person who do not understand very well about prayer are challenged to pray than just understanding the lesson of prayer. Thanks!

(33)
Jonathan,
March 8, 2005 12:00 AM

Big Thanks!

This page really made sense to me, and has clarified in my mind what god means to me and my place in his world. I realise now that he has always had my best interests at heart, and after reading this page i feel closer to God. So thank you!

(32)
Delores,
February 24, 2005 12:00 AM

Thank You!

I especially like the part concerning talking to God.

"To really talk to God, you need to know He is willing and able to do it all. Otherwise, you're only talking to your finite concept of Good -- and not to our true Father in Heaven".

All these years I was talking and praying to my finite concept of God. The doors have really been opened up to me concerning Prayer. I really would like to thank Rabbi Hoan Weinberg for this wonderful article. I printed two copies of this infomation to have. One I keep at work and one at home as a constant reminder!

(31)
Anonymous,
January 6, 2005 12:00 AM

Thank you for being there!

When I look back at my life, there are a few moments that I could never have pulled through without God's help. I just want to say "thanks" for always being there for me.

(30)
al puglisi,
January 2, 2005 12:00 AM

a sincere thanks

Thank you for this article. I think this prayer thing is the one wall that most people struggling with God need to get over. There have been some false notions of prayer bandied about these days, like the Pentecostal "Name it and claim it" philosophy, and the thought that you can think your reality into existence. Both these paths lead the practitioner down the road to disappointment and anger. I think Rabbi Weinberg hit it on the nose here.
Al

(29)
Anonymous,
April 29, 2004 12:00 AM

He shall give His angels charge over you to keep you in all His ways.

I wondered why God seemed to be saying"no".As a former grade school teacher and mother of teenagers I can relate a little bit better to "my journey" and how God gets our attention by your explanation of the motorcycle accident.Now I understand why God doesn't send His angels to keep me from "driving off the cliff."

(28)
florence,
December 15, 2003 12:00 AM

I think I found my way back!

First of all,excuse my English...I'm a french speaking person!...I just want to tell you THANK YOU!Thank you for making such a great site with such great articles!This site(& especially this article)helped me to found my way back to The Almighty and spirituality!Hashem has always been there for me,even during the months when I had lost my faith in him.This article showed me that no one had the right to judge us,but God...And I became aware of the fact that the people who hurted me so much last year and made me lose my faith were only human beings...Jewish human beings,as I am!I am now aware that I made a terrible mistake,when I stopped to believe,only because jewish people had had a bad behaviour towards me.Should I have stopped practicing my religion and believing in God's infinite power because of them?I definitely don't think so!Well,it's not to late to come back to God and judaism;which I've already began..One more time,thank you!you have helped me to come back to my religion,without paying attention to the other's behaviour!

(27)
Anonymous,
October 13, 2003 12:00 AM

at last

i have finally found a website which extensively answers all the questions i have about life and how to tackle the challenges that come my way.

(26)
Jeff Loiterman,
August 24, 2003 12:00 AM

This is a very inspiring site.

I want my e-mail to be anonymous so I made up one. I am in the middle of a somewhat confusing time in my life. I don't know what G-d wants of me or how to reach him. I've been to many web sites and by far this is the best one. It is full of great ideas and tips. It will help me on my journey to finding God. Thank you.

(25)
Marcos (Moshe Meir) Frid,
June 2, 2003 12:00 AM

Amazing Story

Marcos Frid I have an amazing story to tell. This happened
to me in January.

I work as an Engineer at a large, prestigious
high-tech company. Last January, we all came back
to
work after an end-of-the-civil-year closure. My
project was going well; I had convinced my
management
about this great idea, and they had committed
resources (people and money) to implement it. We
had
the first customer lined up for deployment in the
summer. We were working with the contractors and
suppliers to finalize the design and start building
the first prototypes. We were in an "emerging
technology" field, with a lot of potential.

Everything seemed to be going fine. Until...

That first week back in the office we received an
innocent-looking e-mail from one of the highest
executives in the company: the next day there would
be
an "informational meeting" for my division. This
division included a few other labs in addition to
mine. I almost didn't go to the meeting, but I
figured that we were going to hear about the new
year,
expectations, project updates, etc. So I decided to
attend.

The meeting was short. Actually very short. The
executive told us that in order to save money, the
company was going to close my division, and we all
had
3 weeks to find a job within the company before
being
laid off. "Any questions?" We were all too shocked
to ask any questions. The meeting was adjourned
after
a couple of obvious questions were finally asked and
answered.

My heart was pounding very fast. I have worked at
this company for 15.5 years. We had been having
difficult times and there had been layoffs, but I
felt
that our "emerging technologies" projects were the
future of the company so we were relatively safe.
What an awakening! I had no clue this was coming.
I
immediately started to contact everyone I knew at
the
company, looking for any openings. All replies were
very similar: "sorry, I'd be happy to offer you a
job
but we have no vacancies and the budget is very
tight". I started to look for a job outside. I
realized how hard it really is to find a job in the
Silicon Valley these days. I have friends who have
been looking for a job for months unsuccessfully,
but
it wasn't until I had to do it that the reality of
it
hit me.

That afternoon I came home. My kids ran to greet me
at the door. I hugged them and I almost cried. I
couldn't and didn't tell them what was going on; my
wife and I talked about it in private several times
over the next days. I received the notice on a
Tuesday, and I spent the rest of that week
frantically
looking for a job. I couldn't sleep at all. I was
high on adrenalline. If I was lucky I would sleep
from midnight to 4 a.m., then it was back to the
computer to search the bulletin boards and the web
sites for any suitable job postings.

Amazingly, that week I had the best Shabbat I could imagine. I just stopped the job search process,
tried
not to even think about it, and just enjoyed being
with the family, going to shul, etc. That Shabbat
allowed me to go back to the job search with a
cooler
head and a sense of purpose instead of a sense of
desperation (OK, I was still a bit desperate, I must
admit, but now I looked at the situation as one more
project, one more problem to solve just like the
technical problems at the office).

After two weeks, a few opportunities were looking
up;
I had interviews in two places: one inside the
company
and one outside. But the pressure was still on. I
don't have a cash reserve other than our retirement
savings; my company was going to give me a severance
package that I figured would last for about 6
months.
It was still not enough to make me feel comfortable.

One of the people with whom I discussed my situation
at length is my Mincha partner. We are the only 2
Jews in the campus where I worked who were willing
to
daven Mincha every day. (The other 2 people who
used
to daven with us got laid off in previous months).
One day, about 2 weeks after I got the "impending
layoff" notice, I decided to add the paragraph
asking
for parnassah during the "Shma Koleinu" bracha of
the
Amidah. I had not done this previously because one
of
my rabbis said that "if you have bread today on the
table you should have emunah that this will
continue".
But for some reason I just said it.

After davening (which we usually do outdoors), I
went
to visit a few people I know around the company
(this
took about 30 extra minues) and went back to my
office. The red light in my phone was turned on,
indicating that I had a message. I didn't have one
message: I had *several* messages! The manager for
whose team I interviewed within the company had left
me an urgent message at my office phone, one at my
house (then my wife left me a message about it at my
office phone), and one at my cellular phone. I
called
him back and he offered me a job, which I had to
accept or decline right then. I certainly accepted.

If that wasn't enough, that very same day I got a
call
from the "other" company where I interviewed, and
they
made me a job offer too. Now I had a problem of
deciding between 2 offers. These days in Silicon
Valley that's an extremely rare situation. Most
people don't even get an interview, let alone 2 job
offers only two weeks and a day after starting to
look.

By the way, I decided to accept the offer within my
company; I get along with my new boss -an Armenian
gentleman who I knew as a colleague from a previous
job- very well, but that's another story).

I know that Hashem heard my prayers and answered
them.
My frum friend agrees with me. My
not-very-observant
friends say that I got the job offers because of my
talent and experience, but I know better than that.
I know Who is The true source of parnassah and
sustenance.

And that is my story.

Shalom,

Marcos (Moshe Meir) Frid
California, USA

(24)
Sabrina,
April 6, 2003 12:00 AM

God sent me here just in time

I am in the midst of the worst financial trouble of my life -- mostly my own mismanagement. On my own personal "Black Tuesday," I came across this article which stood out like a beacon through the maze of results I received when I typed "how to get out of financial debt" or something similar into a search engine. This article made it possible for me to continue in a spirit of hope through the rest of my day and I even composed a personal prayer, using the subject headings, which brings me great comfort. I follow a different spiritual path than Judaism, and am elated to see that Rabbi Weinberg's writings are so divinely universal. Thanks for this wonderful, light-giving site. I have begun referring to it often.

In March of 2001 my wife,Angela and I were finally able to take our first vacation alone. Three weeks on the Island of St. Croix gave us a new out look on life. Forty Eight Hours after being home everything we hoped for was
dramatically altered. As a Supervising Engineer I went to check out
an under-ground water transfer point in a large factory. While watching
the removal of an under-ground filter the over head steel support beams pulled loose, striking my team-mate(an ex-NFL line backer and myself in the head. My partner shook it off,and helped
get me breathing. The force of the blow
to the right side of my head drove me
into a stationary wall smashing the left
side of my head. We were sent to an inter-city Emergency Room. I was told nothing was broken,but they found evidence of a stroke in the "Pons" of my brain. My partner had a brain bleed.

My partner went home over the objections of the Doctors. I finally got home,only to find out my younger sister had been killed instantly in an
automobile accident earlier that same day.Ninety days later our son was murdered. The investigation drew us into
the world of big city politics,police corruption and the FBI.
All this took its toll. Where is justice
and where did the Miracle working G-d of
Israel go? No answers to anything came.
One long night I put for some unknown reason to myself,the word forgiveness into my browsers search engine.A link to
Aish on this topic came up.I clicked and
finally was able to see a light in all
my darkness. The journey has allowed us to take my wife's parents in and witness her father's home going in our home with all of the family present.And
the heart break of Alzheimers rapidly coming upon her mother and the struggle of a family's coping with this disease.
We have lost our home because of these
circumstances, but it is OK. I was able
to trace my family roots and found a lost jewish heritage in Belarus.I was given a new heart of compassion and found I have a connection to and a love for Israel. Together,my wife and I can
now go forward, still licking some our wounds,but with a knowledge of who we
are now and who we are here to serve.
Thanks to the vision of Aish and like minded Jewish web-sites for being there
as THE LIGHT in an ever darking world.

(22)
Miriam Leiderman,
January 31, 2003 12:00 AM

I believe therefore I am a Jew

Life has an amazing way of confronting us with exactly what we need to discover within ourselves the answers to all of our questions. But if we fear even our shadow, how can we awaken to understand these messages being sent?
Like children being punished for bad behavior, G-d makes us go through hardships so that we may learn(remember that Hashem only sends us the burdens we can handle, no more, no less!).
Rabbi Weinberg confronts us with an age old question: When we don't recieve the answer we wanted, was our prayer fulfilled?
Yes, and in learing to see through the outward hurt, into the reality of what was better for us, we grow up, and we realize G-d truly listens to our prayers!
Most of us in the hustle and bustle of daily life forget who we are and why we are here, the physical world engulfs us, and we lose our way...
Thank you Rabbi for this 101...a reminder of why I pray.
Simple...I believe therefore I am a Jew

(21)
maria anna esparza,
January 27, 2003 12:00 AM

I needed this

thank you so much for this article...it really clarified prayer my relationship with the Almighty.

(20)
mrs. Rhonda,
January 22, 2003 12:00 AM

What a lovely article about G-d and Him hearing our prayers. Although we think that He is not giving us what we want, we MUST realize it is for our own good. For example: My friend has been job hunting for quite some time now and says to me that he just can't get a job. My response is this: "It's just that G-d is saving you from terrible disaster at that particular job and wants you to keep trying to improve your interviewing skills. When the right job comes your way, according to G-d, you WILL get the job. Have faith and know that He is just paving the way for you.

(19)
Vicky Mitchell,
January 4, 2003 12:00 AM

Appreciate article on prayer

Very helpful article. Thanks so much.

(18)
Barb,
December 19, 2002 12:00 AM

How To Get Prayer Answered

I loved this article, it made me stop and realize a few things...I am motivated to keep seeking God and learn to be the person he wants me to be. Thank You

(17)
Ron Pedder,
November 18, 2002 12:00 AM

Brilliant!

Rabbi Noah,
You have answered my prayer! What you have written are the answers to my questions for the past few weeks!
God bless you Rabbi Noah!
Ron Pedder.

(16)
janice,
October 25, 2002 12:00 AM

enjoyment was received

i'm having the worst day of my year and reading this really brightened my blackened day. much gratitued that i found this page. thanks

(15)
Janet Beyers,
August 12, 2002 12:00 AM

Insightfull

Back on February 19th God forced me to listen. I crashed my car into another and destroyed it (mine). You see, I had a zeisure and lost control. I always new something was not right with me but was affraid to confront the problem. Well God forced me to accept that there was a problem and now I am under medical care. My life has improved greatly since I started to take medication to control the zeisures. And best of all, on August 15th I will take a driving test to get my driving previledges back.
I am now aware of tool #3. I am doing my best to listen to God's lessons, hopefully He wont need to do something drastic again, for me to do what is right.

NOTE: The poor people I hit are fine and no one was killed. This above all is the greatest blessing I received on February 19th.

(14)
Shiva Neman,
June 3, 2002 12:00 AM

Inspirational!

This article as wonderful! With all the "hussle and bussle" of today's world...we tend to forget how much G-d does for us. This was a great reminder.

(13)
Anonymous,
June 3, 2002 12:00 AM

sometimes we need to pray for acceptance rather than a complete cure of symptoms. Arthritis, Down Syndrome, deafness, aging problems etc.generally don't vanish. There are now so many of victims of teerorism, unfortunately, a good percentage may have chronic pain problems. This life is not the only life.

(12)
Frank Hunt,
May 27, 2002 12:00 AM

Wonderful article

So many times we forget that G-d really does love us. We think that we don't deserve HIS love but HE is the creator. HE made us who we are. This article helps to bring that thought back into focus. Thank you.
Frank

(11)
Shulamit S.,
May 27, 2002 12:00 AM

Simple, Easy Truth

Yes, it is simple, easy and truth but it seems that it takes most of us years of hardwork to understand what is simple and easy. I am nearly 50 and I have reared 3 children, put myself through college and lived in Israel AND I feel I am now at the Beginning place to get my life and relationship with G-d head in a successful direction to fulfill what I was sent to do. I just hope I have another 50 healthy years to do so now that I am finally ready to start.

(10)
Anonymous,
May 27, 2002 12:00 AM

So simple, yet so amazing!

I opened this page because I had just met Rabbi Weinberg in January. He gave up his time to learn with me, and I came away impressed by the man and by the lesson. So I was excited to see his commentary on line. I knew I needed to hear what he had to say about prayer.

I have always believed that it is wrong to pray to G-d, if you are only praying
to ask for something. But now I think I can pray with an open heart. Not only to thank G-d, but to let him know what I need, and that I am here.

I want to thank Rabbi Weinberg for this moment of light. Once again, hearing his words has changed my life in a meaningful way.

(9)
Glen Priddy,
May 26, 2002 12:00 AM

Rabbi, you are great.

Thanks for your profound thoughts. It would be great to sit in your presence and hear your lectures. For me, it will have to be read off the computer: you see I am an invalid and 79 years old, but my mind and heart are still clear. I thank my God for that.

What a blessing to read your thoughts and contemplate the goodness of the Lord.

(8)
Pesach Gelfand,
May 26, 2002 12:00 AM

Save this article

Great article, this article should be treasuered and re-read constantly.

(7)
tomas medina,
March 17, 2002 12:00 AM

thank you for your insigth.

thank you for what knowledge god gave you to pass down to everyone,without this valuable information we would not understand what god wants of us, and which way to go about really worshiping god.i've always felt that i needed to root my self the correct way and i just started studying kabbala. and starting to read a zohar book.it has opened my inner being into something that is satifying to my spitit. thank you tomas medina

(6)
Theresa J L,
January 17, 2002 12:00 AM

How True

This article was really mind opening.

(5)
Anonymous,
April 16, 2001 12:00 AM

Thanks to your articles, I've now perceive that my prayers will always be answer.

This is my first time on this site, well by going through the articles I've now learned more then I've learned from the past. It just hit me when I understand what is the meaning of knowing God

(4)
Anonymous,
March 18, 2001 12:00 AM

Happy to learn from your wisdom.

I just discovered this site today. I have already learned much from it and can't wait to learn more. I will bookmark it and try to learn more every day. I feel this site will help me to become a more whole person and closer to God. You have many insights, some new to me, others which I needed to be reminded of. Thank you.....

(3)
Anonymous,
November 20, 2000 12:00 AM

This article was great. Prefectly written and like the other visitors commented - I felt it was for me.

(2)
Anonymous,
June 7, 2000 12:00 AM

Eye opener.

It is a beautiful article. I felt that it was written for me. It helped me to realize what i have done wrong (hopefully it is not too late to correct them). Also, this article itself is my answer from G-d. I have been looking for the answer, althought i didn't directly ask G-d about it, well here it is, He asnwered my question through you.

Thank you very much.

(1)
Anonymous,
February 26, 2000 12:00 AM

excellent!

thank you so much for this article. it came at a much-needed time and it was an answer to MY prayers!

I'm told that it's a mitzvah to become intoxicated on Purim. This puzzles me, because to my understanding, it is not considered a good thing to become intoxicated, period.

One of the characteristics of the at-risk youth is their use of drugs, including alcohol. In my experience, getting drunk doesn't reveal secrets. It makes people act stupid and irresponsible, doing things they would never do if they were sober. Also, I know a lot about the horrible health effects of abusing alcohol, because I work at a research center that focuses on addiction and substance abuse.

Also, I am an alcoholic, which means that if I drink, very bad things happen. I have not had a drink in 22 years, and I have no intention of starting now. Surely there must be instances where a person is excused from the obligation to drink. I don't see how Judaism could ever promote the idea of getting drunk. It just doesn't seem right.

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Putting aside for a moment all the spiritual and philosophical reasons for getting drunk on Purim, this remains an issue of common sense. Of course, teenagers should be warned of the dangers of acute alcohol ingestion. Of course, nobody should drink and drive. Of course, nobody should become so drunk to the point of negligence in performing mitzvot. And of course, a recovering alcoholic should not partake of alcohol on Purim.

Indeed, the Code of Jewish Law explicitly says that if one suspects the drinking may affect him negatively, then he should NOT drink.

Getting drunk on Purim is actually one of the most difficult mitzvot to do correctly. A person should only drink if it will lead to positive spiritual results - e.g. under the loosening affect of the alcohol, greater awareness will surface of the love for God and Torah found deep in the heart. (Perhaps if we were on a higher spiritual level, we wouldn't need to get drunk!)

Yet the Talmud still speaks of an obligation on Purim of "not knowing the difference between Blessed is Mordechai and Cursed is Haman." How then should a person who doesn't drink get the point of “not knowing”? Simple - just go to sleep! (Rama - OC 695:2)

All this applies to individuals. But the question remains - does drinking on Purim adversely affect the collective social health of the Jewish community?

The aversion to alcoholism is engrained into Jewish consciousness from a number of Biblical and Talmudic sources. There are the rebuking words of prophets - Isaiah 28:1, Hosea 3:1 with Rashi, and Amos 6:6, and the Zohar says that "The wicked stray after wine" (Midrash Ne'alam Parshat Vayera).

It is well known that the rate of alcoholism among Jews has historically been very low. Numerous medical, psychological and sociological studies have confirmed this. The connection between Judaism and sobriety is so evident, that the following conversation is reported by Lawrence Kelemen in "Permission to Receive":

When Dr. Mark Keller, editor of the Quarterly Journal of Studies on Alcohol, commented that "practically all Jews do drink, and yet all the world knows that Jews hardly ever become alcoholics," his colleague, Dr. Howard Haggard, director of Yale's Laboratory of Applied Physiology, jokingly proposed converting alcoholics to the Jewish religion in order to immerse them in a culture with healthy attitudes toward drinking!

Perhaps we could suggest that it is precisely because of the use of alcohol in traditional ceremonies (Kiddush, Bris, Purim, etc.), that Jews experience such low rates of alcoholism. This ceremonial usage may actually act like an inoculation - i.e. injecting a safe amount that keeps the disease away.

Of course, as we said earlier, all this needs to be monitored with good common sense. Yet in my personal experience - having been in the company of Torah scholars who were totally drunk on Purim - they acted with extreme gentleness and joy. Amid the Jewish songs and beautiful words of Torah, every year the event is, for me, very special.

Adar 12 marks the dedication of Herod's renovations on the second Holy Temple in Jerusalem in 11 BCE. Herod was king of Judea in the first century BCE who constructed grand projects like the fortresses at Masada and Herodium, the city of Caesarea, and fortifications around the old city of Jerusalem. The most ambitious of Herod's projects was the re-building of the Temple, which was in disrepair after standing over 300 years. Herod's renovations included a huge man-made platform that remains today the largest man-made platform in the world. It took 10,000 men 10 years just to build the retaining walls around the Temple Mount; the Western Wall that we know today is part of that retaining wall. The Temple itself was a phenomenal site, covered in gold and marble. As the Talmud says, "He who has not seen Herod's building, has never in his life seen a truly grand building."

Some people gauge the value of themselves by what they own. But in reality, the entire concept of ownership of possessions is based on an illusion. When you obtain a material object, it does not become part of you. Ownership is merely your right to use specific objects whenever you wish.

How unfortunate is the person who has an ambition to cleave to something impossible to cleave to! Such a person will not obtain what he desires and will experience suffering.

Fortunate is the person whose ambition it is to acquire personal growth that is independent of external factors. Such a person will lead a happy and rewarding life.

With exercising patience you could have saved yourself 400 zuzim (Berachos 20a).

This Talmudic proverb arose from a case where someone was fined 400 zuzim because he acted in undue haste and insulted some one.

I was once pulling into a parking lot. Since I was a bit late for an important appointment, I was terribly annoyed that the lead car in the procession was creeping at a snail's pace. The driver immediately in front of me was showing his impatience by sounding his horn. In my aggravation, I wanted to join him, but I saw no real purpose in adding to the cacophony.

When the lead driver finally pulled into a parking space, I saw a wheelchair symbol on his rear license plate. He was handicapped and was obviously in need of the nearest parking space. I felt bad that I had harbored such hostile feelings about him, but was gratified that I had not sounded my horn, because then I would really have felt guilty for my lack of consideration.

This incident has helped me to delay my reactions to other frustrating situations until I have more time to evaluate all the circumstances. My motives do not stem from lofty principles, but from my desire to avoid having to feel guilt and remorse for having been foolish or inconsiderate.

Today I shall...

try to withhold impulsive reaction, bearing in mind that a hasty act performed without full knowledge of all the circumstances may cause me much distress.

With stories and insights,
Rabbi Twerski's new book Twerski on Machzor makes Rosh Hashanah prayers more meaningful. Click here to order...